Hospice receives $16k thanks to Farmers

CHEQUE: Rotorua Hospice being presented with the money raised through Farmers. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Rotorua Community Hospice has received more than $16,000 in community donations from the first year of the Farmers relationship.

Hospice chief executive Sharron Black said they were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to increase the money raised from this "much loved annual Hospice fundraiser".

"I was humbled at the enthusiasm of the Farmers team and deeply grateful to their customers, who generously donated, thank you all so much."

More than $600,000 has been donated to hospice services throughout the country as a result of the newly established relationship with Farmers Trading Company called Caring Connections in Our Community.

In the four weeks leading up to Christmas each of the 56 Farmers stores hosted a Tree of Remembrance and asked customers to make a donation to support their local hospice service.

The final total of $610,791 was announced this week.

Hospice New Zealand chief executive Mary Schumacher said she was absolutely overwhelmed by the way Farmers staff and customers had embraced the campaign to support hospice.

"Who could have predicted such phenomenal success for the first year of this relationship."

Farmers managing director and chief executive Rod McDermott said they were able to provide a channel for hospices to talk to the community.

"This has enabled hospices to share information about their services, raise awareness and funds.

"Financial support from the community is essential for hospices throughout the country and we are very thankful to everyone who has given so generously to this worthy cause."

All donations stay within the community in which they were raised.