Remembrance tree helps you and hospice
Leave amessage for loved ones we can’t be with at Christmas
Christmas is a timewhenthe loss of loved ones can be strongly felt. Waipuna Hospice, in partnership with HospiceNew Zealand and Farmers, are once again giving our community the chance to remember those held dear with their RemembranceTree Appeal.
The Waipuna Hospice RemembranceTree Appeal is a time whenthe community is encouraged to leave amessage on aChristmas tree for their loved ones, remembering thosewhothey can’t be with. In return, adonation ismade which goes directly back to helping those in our community facing a lifelimiting illness through the work of Waipuna Hospice.
There are two sites in Katikati this year, including the Katikati Waipuna Hospice Charity Shop, and Katikati Countdown.
The personal notes are away for those grieving a loved one or missing someone abroad, leading upto what can often be a challenging festive season, to gain a little comfort while also helping Waipuna Hospice raise crucial funds to help meet a shortfall in operating costs.
“Last year, thanks to our generous community and the ongoing support from Farmers, weraised over $56,0000 in funds.
“Themoneyraised from this campaign makes ahuge contribution towards meeting our $4.25 million shortfall to keep palliative care freely accessible for our patients, and with somuchuncertainty due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, our efforts this year aremore important than ever,” says Waipuna Hospice chief executive officer Richard Thurlow.
Giving voice to grief through writing a card to express what people feel can be a comforting exercise.
Children can write anote to their late grandparent or parent abouthow they miss them orhowspecial they were to them.
Ahusband could remember his late wife, or a sistermaywrite to her siblingwhocan no longer celebrate with her.
However, it’s not just about rememberingsomeonewhohas died — it could be thinking of family memberswholive overseas or in other parts of the country that you can’t be with this year.
“The impact of Covid-19 on our community, and our country, is immense,” says Richard.
“Many families are going to go through a sense of griefwhenthey are unable to connect with family membersthis Christmas due to travel restrictions and lockdown requirements. Itmaybe the first time thatsome families haven’t been together for Christmas, and that will have a greater impact thanmany realise.
“Wewant ourRemembranceTree campaign to bring themcomfort too, andweencourage our community to not only remember their deceased, but their overseas family too.”
2020 is the seventh year that Farmers staff and customers will join together to raise funds, to keep hospice care free of charge in every community across Aotearoa. The limited edition Hospice bauble which isnowavailable to purchase for $10 at Farmers Bayfair and The Crossing helps raise those essential funds.
This year’s bauble is Comfort by Hospice, which is inspired by the wrap-around care and compassionate support hospice services provide to patients and their wha¯nau.
We want our Remembrance Tree campaign to bring them comfort too, and we encourage our community to not only remember their deceased, but their overseas family too. Richard Thurlow Waipuna Hospice chief executive officer