Store to hang on every word

TIME TO REMEMBER : Hospice Wairarapa Tree of Remembrance at Farmers.

A "Tree of Remembrance" has been put up in the Farmers store in Masterton to help raise money for Hospice Wairarapa this Christmas.

The campaign - Caring Connections in our Community - began yesterday with all 58 Farmers department stores around the country fundraising for their local hospice.

Farmers customers wishing to remember loved ones who have died can give a donation and write a personal message on a card decoration which will be added to the tree.

Hospice Wairarapa general manager Suzie Adamson said all funds raised in Wairarapa would support Hospice Wairarapa.

"And it will enable us to keep our services free of charge to everyone who needs us," she said.

The tree in the Masterton store has been set up near the Queen St entrance, next to the women's clothing department, and will be manned by hospice volunteers.

Hospice Wairarapa volunteer services manager Chris Wills said last year the tree of remembrance raised $8640 in three weeks.

This year, the campaign would be running for six weeks, until Christmas Eve.

"It's an opportunity for us to let people know about what hospice does but it's also a lovely way to remember those who are no longer with us."

Alternatively, Farmers shoppers can show support for hospice by purchasing a hand-painted bauble decoration for $10, designed by New Zealand artists Michel Tuffery and Letitia Lam.

Hospice Wairarapa does not receive any government funding and relies on donations and grants.

It provides free services and care to those living with a life-limiting condition, such as heart failure, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis or cancer, and offers support and help to their families.

Services offered include bereavement support, caregiver support, counselling and emotional support, as well as helping those ticking off their bucket list and documenting their life stories.