The Farmers Christmas fundraising campaign proved to be a success yet again after raising more than $776,000 for Hospice New Zealand.

The money raised in each store is donated to hospice in the local community.

Members of the public made donations through purchasing limited edition baubles and donating to the tree of remembrance.

The Waipuna Hospice received $35,601.98 from Farmers' stores across the Western Bay of Plenty, giving those with life-limiting conditions the best care possible.

Waipuna Hospice CEO Richard Thurlow is grateful for the support and the work of both donators and Farmers staff members.

'We were overwhelmed at the support shown for Waipuna Hospice through the Farmers Christmas Remembrance Tree Appeal. The Farmers Team at both stores played a huge part in helping us to achieve this excellent result. Thank you to all those who work in Farmers in our region.

'I also want to thank all of those in our community who remembered a loved one through this appeal. Every dollar from the Remembrance Appeal will help Waipuna Hospice to provide services to our community,” says Richard.

Hospice New Zealand relies heavily on fundraising and donations. Each year hospice services can cost up to $100 million nationwide.

Hospice New Zealand CEO Mary Schumacher is delighted with the donations made from purchasing Christmas items at Farmers' stores.

'The support we receive from Farmers is incredible. For five years now, the entire Farmers team has embraced supporting hospice at Christmas and alongside their customers continue to make a real difference to people using hospice services throughout NZ. It is humbling to be the beneficiary of such generosity and kindness.”

Michael Power, acting Chief Executive of Farmers and Chief Financial Officer, believes that the relationship between Farmers and hospices nationwide is mutually beneficial as Farmers get a feel good factor from donating.

'The delivery of a national store-wide approach to our charity campaigns helps build a meaningful opportunity to connect with the community, as our staff work in unison toward a common goal. At Farmers we are extremely proud of the amount raised during our Christmas hospice campaign through a combined effort and generous donations made by our customers, our staff and our business. It's heart-warming to know the positive difference it will make in our communities.”