Waipuna Hospice is 'overwhelmed with the generous support” of Tauranga's community and Farmers stores in the lead up to Christmas.

Through Christmas bauble sales and donations collected, the teams at Bayfair, Tauranga and The Crossing Farmers stores raised $41,510 for the hospice.

A further record breaking $38,957 was raised by the community-based remembrance tree sites. These ran alongside the Farmers initiative, as trees were located in supermarkets, shopping centres and markets across Tauranga.

Altogether, $80,467 was raised for the Waipuna Hospice for the campaign. This ensures the hospice can continue to offer specialist palliative care services, improving the quality of life for those brave life-limiting illnesses.

Waipuna Hospice chief executive officer Richard Thurlow says the funds raised has 'an immeasurable impact” on Waipuna Hospice and the families they support.

'Our patients and families are facing some of the most difficult times in their lives and the generous donations we receive ease their journeys. All proceeds allow hospice special palliative care to be available at no cost – including everything from nursing and medical support to counselling massage, physiotherapy and spiritual support,” he says.

'From the bottom of our hearts, we'd like to thank Farmers for helping make this support possible and spreading awareness on just how impactful hospice work is on our community.

'Many people say it's not until you receive hospice support first-hand that you realise the extent of our services. The awareness spread by Farmers staff encourages further support for years to come by all those exposed to it.

'Western Bay of Plenty support for 2022's Remembrance Tree Appeal continues to blow us away, especially during a year where we are facing economic pressures nationally. It shows that community generosity is evident whatever the weather or current circumstances,” says Richard.

"I would like to make a heartfelt thank you to Farmers, hosts of Remembrance Tree sites, and those who kindly donated. And, to our volunteers, thank you for making the world a special place and dedicated your time to a wider cause. Waipuna Hospice simply wouldn't exist with people like you.”

Michael Power, Chief Financial Officer of Farmers says, Farmers are 'extremely proud” of the amount raised during the Christmas hospice campaign through 'a combined effort and generous donations made by our customers, our staff, and our business”.

'Farmers has been at the heart of New Zealand communities for over 110 years. We are delighted to make a positive difference in our communities through our long-standing relationship with Hospice.”