Rambling Rich – June 2021
Well, we are definitely moving into a cooler and windier patch of weather as I write this.

May was a busy time for the Waipuna Hospice team, especially with Hospice Awareness Week in the middle of the month. Thankfully, this year has not been as challenging as last year so we could run our annual symposium. Obviously because of the tricky little virus we had to cancel last year’s plans. This year’s sold-out event focused on Palliative Care in our Compassionate Community, and the whole event was really well-received by the delegates. Personally, I found the talks and presentation by our wonderful key-note speakers to be very motivating and encouraging.
Another good news story from May was the substantial three-year grant we were awarded by TECT from their Community Development Fund. This amount, totalling $165,000 a year for three years, will be vital in helping Waipuna Hospice serve our community. On behalf of everyone at Waipuna Hospice, I would like to extend my utmost thanks to TECT for their ongoing support, and to our generous community.
Having said that, what we can see in terms of population growth and increasing patient numbers indicates that our funding needs will continue to grow. I am confident, with the support from people like you in the community, we can continue to provide our necessary care for all those who need it.
It is heartening to see the world beginning to open up in terms of travel. I am looking forward to a brighter future, albeit a little cautiously. It was wonderful to see our volunteers step up and assist with the vaccination centre to help BOP DHB at incredibly short notice. It makes me really proud to see so many people helping and contributing to Waipuna Hospice and our society – so a big thank you from me to you all.
This update was first published in our newsletter – Waipuna Connections, issue 77.