Join us in bringing awareness to our community about hospice care and supporting those who are facing end-of-life and bereavement
Hospice Awareness Week aims to recognise the work that hospices provide to their communities and to raise awareness of the movement and growth of hospices across the country. This year Hospice Awareness Week begins on Monday the 12th May until Sunday the 18th May.
The number of people dying and needing end-of-life and palliative care is growing yearly and hospice services are feeling the effects of this. Hospices across New Zealand take the pressure off local hospitals by freeing up rooms, distributing resources and helping patients receive specialised care during their most difficult time.
Hospice services are only partially funded by the government, with an increase of patients and no increase in funding, hospice is at risk of disappearing. On average, one-third of people who die do not receive hospice care—and that doesn’t even account for those who miss out due to funding limitations or misunderstandings about what hospice can offer. Our goal is ensure that everyone has free access to hospice care and that our community fully understands the services and support available to them.
To help support hospice please
Keep an eye out for patient and family stories that offer insight into their hospice experience. Many people mistakenly believe hospice is only about dying, but in reality, we focus on making time count by providing care, comfort, and support. Sharing these stories helps deepen understanding of the compassionate care we provide and breaks down the stigma and fear surrounding hospice services.
Make a Difference by Volunteering
As well as Hospice NZ pushing for our national and local government to get on board and support the work that we do, Waipuna Hospice want to reach out to our community this Hospice Awareness Week. We have organised community bucket collections at 12 different locations over the weekend of the 16th of May. If you see any of our volunteers out in our local supermarkets and shopping malls, please stop to chat. They will have useful information about our services and will welcome any donation you are able to give.
We are asking if you can spare just two hours to help collect donations and advocate for the work that we do. As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role being stationed at one of our collection locations, handing out flyers and collecting cash and cashless donations. We have collection sites across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty over the weekend of the 16th of May. Your friendly presence can make a world of difference, and we welcome volunteers from all walks of life—whether you’re an individual, part of a team, or involved in a local club.
If you’re looking to take on a leadership role, we also need Volunteer Site Coordinators! This rewarding position allows you to manage volunteers, coordinate site logistics, and engage with the community while supporting Waipuna Hospice’s mission.
Bring along a friend or family member to share in this meaningful experience. To get involved, please fill in the form below, or contact Kenzie at fundraising@waipunahospice.org.nz or call 07 552 4380 ext. 319. Your kindness can help transform lives.