Good sorts wear shorts for Hospice fundraiser

Helen Moller (second from left) and her Skinspots Skin Cancer Clinic colleagues are regular supporters of the Waipuna Hospice fundraiser. Photo/Skinspots Skin Cancer Clinic

Waipuna Hospice supporters are once again being encouraged to brave the chill and don shorts on the shortest day of the year to raise funds for the charity.

Waipuna Hospice is challenging the "bravest of the brave" to bare their legs and get on board the annual "Life is Short, Wear Shorts4 Hospice" campaign.

Hospice's marketing and communications manager Amandeep Kung said June 21 was the shortest day and perhaps one of the coldest days of the year.

"It's that time of year again to hunt through your summer wardrobe or local hospice shops for those weird and wonderful shorts, all in the name of hospice.

"There were many people who have had their lives touched by the loss of a loved one, perhaps a partner or child, friend or a neighbour," she said.

Kung said the campaign was a lighthearted way to raise the subject of end of life care and also help raise funds through a fun and easy participation activity.

"The funds raised will go a long way in helping one in three people in our community who already use or will use hospice services," she said.

Kung said Waipuna Hospice expected to care for about 1000 patients this year and provide support services to them and their families.

The team at Skinspots Skin Cancer Clinic in Mount Maunganui are regular supporters and always had their colourful shorts tailor-made to fit.

Staff member Heidi Moller said the hospice fundraiser was the perfect team building initiative and never failed to produce a few chuckles among the staff and visitors.

"Our patients get to see a different side of the staff, and even our doctors wear shorts.

"It's a great way to raise funds for the fantastic work that Waipuna Hospice does not only for their patients but for their staff and families," she said.

Moller said it was a cause dear to the hearts of her and the rest of the team, including a staff member whose late father was cared for by the hospice.

Participants can register online at Waipuna Hospice's website as an individual or a group.

Anyone who buys shorts from a hospice store received a 20 per cent discount on another item.

One lucky company would also be drawn at random to have a delicious morning tea delivered to them.

On June 21 participants can load their photos on the Waipuna Hospice Facebook page.