Hospice Five Cross Roads store 242 Peachgrove Rd, Hamilton

Mon to Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am–2pm

Volunteer gardeners, from left, Kay Jennings, Glennys Brown and Marian Kingham.

What makes a good volunteer?

Hospice Waikato volunteer service manager Karen Mansfield believes it’s a combination of empathy, enthusiasm and life experience. “It’s amazing how often somewhere along their path, hospice has helped with a grandparent, a father or mother,” she said. In every other respect, Hospice Waikato volunteers are a diverse lot, coming from every walk of life. Two recent examples: a semi-retired businessman who wanted to give something back to the community. And, at the other end of the scale, a parent volunteering their son to mow lawns. Karen says Rotary and Women’s Institute are big helpers. So are new immigrants. “It’s a foot in the door, something to put on their CV.” Another common story is ‘I’ve just retired and I want to keep busy. How can I help?’. “Last year we advertised on Student Job Search and got lots of volunteers to work in our hospice stores. They just add a different mix,” Karen said. Not all volunteers wish to work with patients. “There’s plenty of other work to go around; we’ll find a role that works. When people come on board we do like to have some sort of commitment – at least six months.” Hospice is currently looking for volunteers in the Putaruru and Tokoroa area. “The people I’m looking for are patient contacts; people to sit with patients, people to write their life stories. People with empathy, who can sit quietly and listen.” There’s also a shortage of men in patient care. “Understandably, some men tell us they’d rather have a bloke sit with them than a female.”

By Jeff Howell.

If you’re interested in taking the first step to volunteering, call Karen for a chat and an introductory brochure.

Hospice Waikato – Summer 2013

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The evening will consist of a three course gala dinner, beverages, exciting entertainment and silent and live auctions. Buy a table of (10) for $1000 or purchase tickets at $100 each. Hosted by New Zealand film and television actor Mark Ferguson, the guest speakers are fashion guru and editor Paula Ryan and world-class adventurer and speaker Jamie Fitzgerald. Both will share their bucket lists and secrets for a fulfilling life. Brian King of Harcourt’s will auction a range of donated items on the night. This event will celebrate the spirit of adventure as well as raising crucial funds for Hospice Waikato’s new Wellness Centre. The Wellness centre will offer multidisciplinary services for all Hospice Waikato patients, family and whanau at no cost, and will be fully operational by May.

We encourage you to invite friends to support this fundraising event. This is also an opportunity for community-minded businesses to support this unique fundraising occasion.

 Please book early to avoid disappointment!

TO SECURE YOUR TABLE BOOKING NOW, CONTACT:

Hospice Waikato 07 859 1260 or mailto:events@hospicewaikato.org.nz

Thank you for your support.

PHOTO GALLERY

View the below photos of the banquet dinner earlier this month.

The meteoric rise to stardom for Hamilton-born and raised singer-songwriter Kimbra has been closely watched by a special group of Waikato fans.

The Grammy Award-winning singer is a “friend and supporter” of Rainbow Place – a facility that provides specialised support for children and young people experiencing change, loss and grief around serious illness or the death of a family member.

Late last year Kimbra officially opened a new teenage space at the facility.

“It is a place that actually nurtures long-term support for families and children dealing with death and illness,” she said. “They are focused on creating real relationships and trust – a place where people can open up with proper networks and support.

“It’s a need I hadn’t thought of much until I visited Rainbow Place, but I now see it to be a really important part of development for young people especially.”

Last week Kimbra took time out from recording her second album in Los Angeles to speak with the Waikato Times about the past few months that culminated in her Grammy success.

“I have to remind myself that it’s only been a few days since I was up on stage being acknowledged by Prince – it feels like some kind of strange dream you think up and tell a friend as a joke.”

But it wasn’t a joke. It was the kind of success that has seen the Waikato girl recognised as an international star – and the kind of mentor that young people battling life-threatening conditions can draw inspiration from, according to Rainbow Place chief executive Craig Tamblyn.

“The teenagers who were able to come and meet Kimbra at Rainbow Place were blown away that someone as famous as Kimbra would take the time to visit them,” he said. “It gave them a tremendous morale boost and made their day.”

For Kimbra, spending time with the teens was equally rewarding.

“The Waikato has been a big part of my life and I feel passionate about supporting the community they have created [at Rainbow Place].

“I have known people facing terminal illnesses myself and also people who have lost a parent or child to such causes and it is a situation that affects so many and calls for great support.”

She said her visit revealed an amazing environment that was not just about short-term solutions.

“It feels like a place where you can nest and feel safe,” she said.

At the end of January, Rainbow Place had 291 clients, including 18 sick children and young people and 233 grieving children and young people aged from babies to 19, along with 40 parents and caregivers.

Mr Tamblyn said there were many misconceptions about the services it provides. “Rainbow Place is not just there to support around a cancer diagnosis,” he said. “We support children, young people and their families who are affected by any serious illness or health condition.”

As for their next visit from Kimbra, they may have to wait till the end of the year when she hopes to return home ahead of the release of her second album.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Hospice Waikato – December 2012

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