Hawke's Bay community digs deep for Cranford Hospice

Gabriella Jones working on behalf of Cranford Hospice during the annual street appeal. Photo / Supplied

Once again the Hawke's Bay community has dug deep for Cranford Hospice.

Last weekend volunteers were out collecting money for the hospice's annual street appeal.

The Hawke's Bay community generously donated a total of $27, 438.70 over three days.

"The team are overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of the community. These funds are vital to our ability to continue to deliver the services at no cost to the patient and whanau," saidCranford Hospice chief executive Janice Byford-Jones.

"We are very grateful for the support we receive from the community."

More than 350 volunteers were kept busy, including collectors from Iona College, Napier Girls' High School, Lindisfarne College and Hastings Girls' High School.

Hastings Boys' High School prefects did a fantastic job putting on a barbecue at Bunnings Warehouse.

Hastings Orphans Club representative Frank Wilkins is still collecting at 90 years of age while Gabriella Jones, 11, collected at Hastings and Napier Countdowns.

Cranford Hospice board member Julie Russell spent time collecting outside Mitre 10 in Hastings.

"It was a delightful experience, you get such a warm feeling from our community. Everyone is so kind, sharing their Cranford stories and being so generous with their donations." says Mrs Russell.

Hospice volunteer co-ordinator Amanda Aitkin has described the appeal as "an amazing success".

"A lot of hard work is put in by so many people, particularly volunteer co-ordinators Jane Godber, Dot Foote, Nicole Lilburn and Joan Grenside, who spent three days making sure everything ran smoothly."

Cranford Hospice aims to help people make the most of their lives; to live every moment in whatever way is important to them.

People of all ages living with a life-limiting condition such as heart failure, motor neurone disease, MS or cancer can access and benefit from hospice services. Hospice care has a unique whole-person approach which means physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs are equally important.

A multidisciplinary team provides care to a person who is dying, their families and friends and provides bereavement support, says Mrs Byford-Jones.

"Many people think of hospice as just a building, when in reality, it is a philosophy of care" she says. "The majority of people are cared for in their home and if they need more intensive care, they may come and stay in the inpatient unit."

This vital service to the Hawke's Bay community receives some funding from the Government, but financial support from the community is essential to meet the shortfall every year.