Nelson Tasman Hospice CEO Frans Dellebeke. Photo: File.

Hospice gets $26,000 funds boost

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The Nelson Tasman Hospice is more than $26,000 better off after the support of local Farmers stores.

The amount was part of a larger $759,000 windfall for hospices around the country.

The funds were raised toward the end of last year as part of the purchase of 15,000 of the hand-painted collectable baubles “Ngaru” by Spencer Bellas.

“Farmers have recognised that their staff and customers really want to support people in their own communities living with a life-limiting condition.

“Because of this focus, people know their donations stay local and will mean their community’s hospice is there free of charge for anyone who needs support,” says Mary Schumacher, CEO, Hospice NZ.

Frans Dellebeke, CEO of Nelson Tasman Hospice, says the the donation of $26,298.72 will enable Nelson Tasman Hospice to continue providing specialised palliative care free of charge to patients across the region, and support to their families.

“Not only did the team at Farmers, embrace raising funds for our hospice, they also worked as ambassadors for our services, helping the community to better understand the work we do.

“The awareness raising that comes from being involved with Farmers is invaluable. The enthusiasm and commitment from all staff and the people of Nelson and Tasman have contributed to this amazing result, thank you so much.”

Chief Financial Officer of Farmers Michael Power, says he is proud of the amount raised during its Christmas hospice campaign “through a combined effort and generous donations made by our customers, our staff, and our business”.

Mary says the organisation can’t thank the Farmers team and their customers enough for their generosity towards hospice.

“To once again raise more than three quarters of a million dollars is incredible. I witnessed firsthand the depth of engagement between hospice and the Farmers team, they are working so hard to raise not only funds, but also awareness of the work we do.”