Hospice in funding drive to continue valued work
Mary Potter Hospice volunteers will be out on Porirua/Kāpiti streets doing their bit to help the hospice during its annual appeal on May 19 and 21.
‘‘Yet again, we are asking the communities of Wellington, Porirua and Kāpiti to help fund their local hospice services,’’ said Mary Potter Hospice chief executive Tony Paine.
The hospice sector nationally is calling for the government to provide an increase in funding for hospices as costs sky-rocket because of inflation.
In 2021 hospices across New Zealand cared for nearly 20,000 patients and their whānau at a cost of approximately $175.6 million.
Mary Potter Hospice cared for nearly 900 people, and received 44% of the cost of running the hospice from the government.
‘‘We need to raise about $7 million from the community to bridge the gap,’’ Paine said. ‘‘To do this we rely on our hospice shops and donations, but the gap is getting bigger and bigger. It’s pretty huge now.’’
‘‘Everyone at the hospice wants to acknowledge our generous community for their support. We’re committed to remaining free-of-charge, and providing the highest quality palliative care for the community.’’
There are many ways to help the Mary Potter Hospice. You can donate goods or purchase items from their shops, become a volunteer, leave a gift in your will or make a donation.
Go to marypotter.org.nz for information.
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