News

Day Group benefits from best ever Add A Dollar campaign

The Add A Dollar for Hospice campaign during this years' Appeal Week has been wonderfully supported by the North Shore community and resulted in a record amount raised. Because of the overwhelming generosity of people on the North Shore, more than $35,000 was 'added' to bills when shopping at New World and Pak 'n Save stores during our Appeal Week. All the money raised will go towards funding our vital Day Group programme (see below).

We are greatly indebted to everyone who supported the campaign, especially to New World and Pak 'n Save staff who asked shoppers to 'add a dollar for Hospice'. The success of the campaign was only possible because of the enthusiasm of the Checkout Managers, operators and customers in all of the stores, and not forgetting the hundreds of volunteers who supported the campaign. Thank you also to those who manned our community tables at the local malls.

There were a number of activities during Appeal Week and we are most grateful to everyone who ran an event or participated in one. Those who ran a 'Hospice Cup of Tea Moment' came up with some great fundraisers for Hospice including 'Dress Up for Hospice' day at the office and Zumba classes. The Peace and Plenty B&B opening their doors for the day and scrumptious morning teas. Thank you also to Fifth Avenue Jewellers for their Pandora promotion which benefited Hospice.

This year for the first time, we held a special Hospice Church Service at the beginning of the week. Reverend Jayson Rhodes, Vicar of St Peter's Anglican Church, worked with Hospice staff to put together a moving and dignified church service reflecting on the work of Hospice, remembering and praying for patients, their families, volunteers and staff. We thank Dr Wayne Mapp for giving up his time to participate and we appreciated the wonderful singing of the North Shore Male Choir.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Appeal Week.

North Shore Hospice Day Group

Day Group is a weekly programme that is open to all our patients. It is run every Wednesday from 10.00 – 1.00pm at North Shore Hospice. While the programme is managed by our Volunteer Manager, it is staffed by an amazing group of volunteers. It offers a change of environment, support, entertainment and friendship for our patients as well as familiarity with the North Shore Hospice environment. It is also an opportunity for the carers of our patients to take a break and let us care for their loved one for a few hours. Day Group includes morning tea and lunch, prepared by our housekeeping staff.

Our volunteers try to make the time as enjoyable as possible for the patients and organise plenty of activities including board games, crafts, entertainment, music, speakers, natural therapies, etc. Having my office next to the Day Group room, I can confirm there is usually a lot of laughter coming from the programme. It is an informal, safe setting where everyone can relax and not have to hide their terminal illness, where each understands what they are going through and they can talk openly. There are nurses and staff on hand to discuss any concerns or issues they have.

When asked 'what does day group mean to you?', Jean responded "I feel that coming to Day Group that I am not alone with cancer and pretty lucky to be doing alright at this time. Meeting people and having a laugh. Being in a peaceful environment for a few hours doing craft that I haven't done for a good few years". Lena replied "For 3 hours it gives me a break from being alone". And as Karl told us in his story, "the group's real strength is in its camaraderie, I don't feel so lonely in my illness."

While Alan, one of the Day Group volunteers said "It is the highlight of my week – giving of myself. The reward is love. What else is there? It's good to know that this service is offered and to see the joy on the faces of those who come each week".