Home Grown for Hospice /
A night out for a great cause
With no government funding on offer, Hospice strives to provide a unique and special free-of-charge service to those in need. In order to continue the work they are doing, Hospice Mid Canterbury, with the support of ANZCO Foods, presents Home Grown – a
fun, fast-paced night of entertainment, complete with auction, speakers and prizes.
Providing support to those in the Ashburton District dealing with a life-limiting illness, Hospice Mid Canterbury is an all ages, client-centred service, with support offered in the individual’s own home. ‘Hospice has a philosophy of care that is all about enhancing quality of life for people dealing with illness and end-of-life,’ explains local fundraising member Lynnie Scammell. ‘It’s about finding what matters most to people and helping to meet not only their physical needs, but also their social, emotional and spiritual needs.’
Hospice support is not only for the person with the life-limiting illness, but also for their family and caregivers. Since beginning to offer services in late 2015, Hospice Mid Canterbury has supported over 150 families and is currently supporting 45 families, in most cases with multiple services. Over the last 12 months, service providers and volunteers have provided 1400 hours of direct support to clients.
In addition to providing counselling, bereavement support, massage therapy, reiki therapy, reflexology and relaxation therapy, they have an amazing team of volunteers on hand to provide companionship, transport, pet care, or whatever support is required. ‘Provision of these services can make a huge difference to the quality of life for those we are helping
and for their families and carers,’ explains Lynnie. The most requested services are that of recording life stories, and sitting, to enable carers to have a break or to do something for themselves.
Reliant on the generosity of community, funding agencies, and the hard work of the fundraising committee, Hospice Mid Canterbury (like those in neighbouring regions) works tirelessly to raise the funds required to continue their free-of-charge services. ‘All the funds we raise stay locally for use in our district,’ continues Lynnie. ‘Our upcoming fundraiser Home Grown is not only our major fundraising activity for this year [2019], but will be a must for the social calendar.’
To be held on Saturday 7 September at Hotel Ashburton, the evening centres around the theme ‘living every moment’. ‘With this in mind, thanks to the support of ANZCO Foods, we have put together a fun-filled evening featuring three “home grown” Mid Cantabrians who have ventured further afield and achieved remarkably in many different areas,’ continues Lynnie. While they share their stories and journeys along their varied paths, guests will be well looked after with a three-course meal and a complimentary drink – all part of the ticket price.