Embracing the Hospice Whānau

Kia ora koutou,

As I continue to settle into my role as CEO, I’ve been taking the time to truly immerse myself in all aspects of Waipuna Hospice. I’ve spent time out in the community with our nurses, visited our retail shops, and seen firsthand the dedication of our incredible team. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the work we do and, just as importantly, for the unwavering support we receive from our community.

There is so much generosity surrounding Waipuna Hospice, one particularly moving story is Avelien’s, who has honoured her mum, Yolanda, by taking on our Hospice Hero Challenge. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of hospice care and the strength of the families we support.

I also want to take a moment to reflect on our Christmas Remembrance Tree campaign. Every year, this initiative provides a meaningful way for people to remember loved ones they can’t be with at Christmas by leaving a message on our Remembrance Trees. It’s always a special campaign, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, as well as to the volunteers who made it all possible. A special thank you also goes to Farmers, whose nationwide support of this campaign helped raise over $1 million for hospices across Aotearoa. 

Beyond these major events, I’ve been blown away by the generosity of our community in so many ways – from local businesses fundraising on our behalf to volunteers giving their time in ways big and small. Whether it’s a golf tournament raising vital funds, a team stepping in to clean our windows, or a local company donating proceeds from a community event, every act of kindness makes a difference.

At the heart of everything we do is our mission to ensure that people facing end of life receive the care, comfort, and dignity they deserve. None of this would be possible without the support of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. Thank you for being part of our Waipuna Hospice whānau, your generosity and kindness truly make all the difference.

Ngā mihi nui,

David Bryant

CEO, Waipuna Hospice

This update was originally published in our newsletter, Waipuna Connections, Issue 89.
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