Hospice closer to fundraising target

The Nelson Tasman Hospice has received another funding boost as the build of its new facility in Stoke gets under way.

Pub Charity has donated $566,366 to the capital fundraising campaign for the new building which is due to be completed in early 2019.

Nelson Tasman Hospice chief executive Frans Dellebeke said the donation would go a long way towards achieving the fundraising target.

‘‘We are absolutely thrilled to have been donated this generous amount from Pub Charity which is a welcome boost to our fundraising campaign.’’

The hospice is contributing $7.5 million to the project and that leaves $1.5m to raise through grants and in-kind donations and $2.5m from the community.

More than $800,000 has been donated in grants, which included $250,000 recently from the Rata Foundation.

Pub Charity chief executive Martin Cheer said it worked with partner hospitality venues in Nelson, Richmond and Motueka to raise funds for the local community and in particular organisations that looked to support the most vulnerable.

‘‘There can be no more challenging time for individuals and their families than needing hospice services and we are pleased to be able to help in providing new facilities for the Nelson/Tasman district,’’ he added.

The design for the new hospice building includes 10 patient units, consulting rooms, space for families to spend time together, as well as outdoor areas. It will also include storage for the hospice equipment that is used in the community. How you can help To donate towards the new build, visit www.nelsonhospice.org.nz/ donate

BRADEN FASTIER/NELSON MAIL Many terminally ill patients Anne Hilson works with in her role with the Nelson Tasman Hospice see the process as a kind of occupational therapy.

An artist’s impression of the new Nelson Tasman Hospice. Pub Charity has donated just over $500,000 to the campaign.