Money collected to keep the memorial garden at the Hawke's Bay Hospital pristine was stolen on Sunday.
A bucket was placed by the memorial tree in the hospital foyer on Saturday to collect donations in the lead up to the annual remembrance service.
Hawke's Bay Hospital chaplain Barbara Walker was shocked to find on Sunday the lid had been removed and money taken.
"Each time people donate they put a dove on the tree to remember their loved ones. There were a lot of doves on the tree but only $3 in the bucket so we knew the money had gone. It was very sad."
Reverend Walker said they had collected a lot of money on Saturday and since starting the memorial tree seven years ago had made more than $1000.