Hospice Whanganui manager Valda Brechmanis and Mitre 10 Mega owner Hayden Gibson celebrate another successful Ladies' Night. Photo / Bevan Conley
A night of DIY fun for women has boosted the coffers of Hospice Whanganui again this year, raising $2500.
Mitre 10 Mega Wanganui hosted the popular Ladies' Night event. For a gold-coin entry fee, participants joined in a range of challenges and activities co-ordinated by Paula Fore.
Although Fore has worked at the Taupo Quay premises since before it opened, this was her first year of organising the event.
"I loved it," she said.
"I'm definitely looking forward to doing it again next year."
There were 50 stalls offering demonstrations, samples and challenges that ranged from banging in nails to presenting a decorated cake for auction.
"I think the mosaic activity was the most popular," said Mitre 10 owner Hayden Gibson.
"We had four tables set up and they were queuing up at those."
Hospice Whanganui manager Valda Brechmanis said she always enjoys Ladies' Nights and loved the experience of driving a digger last year.
"I now know how to change a washer in my loo if I need to," she said.
Hospice has been the recipient of the proceeds from Ladies' Night for the past decade.
Gibson said most people are touched by the work that Hospice does in some way and he is pleased that Ladies' Night can provide regular support.
"With the number of worthy organisations doing great work in Whanganui we are very grateful for this enduring relationship," said Brechmanis.
The $2500 is not tagged for a particular project and will help fund the wide range of services Hospice provides to the Whanganui community.
A bequest from Fleur and Alan Erson has enabled the building of the Erson Wing at the Virginia Rd base.
The extension includes space for a palliative care training room, a large whanau room and more consultation rooms.
"Most of our care is done in the community so we didn't need more beds" said Brechmanis.
"The bequest has allowed us to provide the things that were needed most."
Hospice provides training for hospital staff and there is now a designated room for that.
The whanau room with underfloor heating means large family groups can stay overnight if they need to and there are bathroom facilities for them.
“Relying on overseas doctors to fill our rural workforce gaps is not sustainable."