Franklin Hospice $55,000 stronger after successful fundraisers

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

Kia ora neighbours,

After two successful fundraising campaigns in recent months, Franklin Hospice has an extra $55,000 in the budget to support people diagnosed with a life-limiting illness.

Without an in-patient unit, Pukekohe-based Franklin Hospice’s six permanent nurses, two casual nurses and one social worker travel all over the district to deliver palliative care for patients.

Just last month, the hospice raised $32,000 through tickets and art sales to the Riverhaven Artland Summer Sculpture Weekend in Clevedon.

And for the eighth year in a row, Farmer’s held its annual Christmas Charity Campaign, and raised more than $908,000 for Hospice New Zealand, of which $22,000 went to the Franklin branch.

“We can’t thank the Farmers team and their customers enough for their generosity towards hospice,” said Hospice NZ acting chief executive officer Naylor Wayne.

“Raising over $900,000 is incredible, especially during a year where many felt the significant impact of Covid-19.”

But the ongoing work of fundraising goes on, Alison Daldy, Fundraising Manager of the Franklin Hospice explained.

The immense costs of running the hospice include maintaining cars, the office building, wages and medical equipment. And that is all before plans to build an inpatient unit for the district, Daldy said.

About half of Franklin Hospice’s bills are covered by government funding, but the rest comes from the community through events, bequests, payroll donations and the hospice second-hand store in Pukekohe.

Two big fundraisers are planned for 2022: a mystery midwinter event, and the Garden Ramble in November.

Keep up with Franklin Hospice’s fundraising efforts: www.facebook.com... and www.instagram.com...