Remembrance tree raises $60,000 for Hospice

Hospices throughout the country have once again been overwhelmed and humbled by the support from Farmers Department Stores and their customers in the leadup to Christmas. The incredible efforts from both Bayfair and Tauranga Crossing Farmers stores, along with the generosity of their customers, saw a total of $29,322.08 raised in-store for Waipuna Hospice.

“This amazing donation will help Waipuna Hospice support terminally ill patients and support their families and whānau at no cost. This support not only includes nursing and medical support, but also counseling, bereavement support, massage, physiotherapy, biography services, spiritual support, medical loan equipment, and more,” explains Waipuna Hospice CEO, Richard Thurlow.

I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Farmers, for not only raising funds for Waipuna Hospice, but for also working as ambassadors for our services, helping our 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 Farmers Bayfair and Tauranga Crossing has contributed to this amazing result,” says Richard.

Michael Power, Chief Financial Officer of Farmers says, “At Farmers, we are extremely proud of the amount raised during our Christmas hospice campaign through a combined effort and generous donations made by our customers, our staff, and our business. Farmers has been at the heart of New Zealand communities for over 110 years. We are delighted to make a positive difference in our communities through our longstanding relationship with Hospice.

In addition to Farmers, Waipuna Hospice also ran a community-based remembrance Tree Appeal with collection sites in supermarkets, shopping centres, and markets around the community.

Thanks to the kindness of the community, a further $30,539.53 was donated to the appeal.

For Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, the campaign raised a total of $59,861.61 which will enable Waipuna Hospice to continue to provide the best possible specialist hospice palliative

care, enhancing the quality of life for those facing end of life and bereavement.

“We were overwhelmed by the support shown by Farmers for Waipuna Hospice through the 2021 Remembrance Tree Appeal, particularly in what was an extremely hard year for many”, explains Richard.

L-R: Ella Pollard (Waipuna Hospice Fundraising Executive), Leanne Webber, Graeme Walker, Annalise Wang, Dee Klinac, Ulene Adams, Catarina Lee, Tim Willson (Farmers Bayfair Store Manager), and Sasima Pearce (Waipuna Hospice Director of Marketing and Fundraising).