By ANNE-MARIE EMERSON
SIMON Aitken's new job involves making a lot of money out of people's goodwill over $800,000 a year, to be exact.
Mr Aitken has recently taken up the role of funding manager at Hospice Wanganui.
It's his job to find 50 percent of the hospice's running costs, to make up the other 50 percent funding the hospice receives from the DHB.
Originally from Taihape, Mr Aitken has lived in Wanganui for five years.
He has previously worked for Sport Wanganui and is involved in property investment.
Mr Aitken's role involves overseeing the three hospice shops which bring in about 30 percent of hospice's $820,000 annual income needed and organising fundraiser events. Hospice also receives support through grants.
"I love it here. The staff are great, and I like being part of a team." Mr Aitken said ways of fundraising are currently diversifying, with people being so busy yet still keen to contribute.
"There's a lot of different ways people can give money to good causes now." "We're looking into things like donations over the internet, or money being donated out of companies payroll systems every week." Another key to fundraising is developing business relationships.
"I'm currently working with Harcourts, looking at new and exciting ways that people can donate, and be involved with events."
Mr Aitken is involved in the House 4 Hospice project, which has seen an old house renovated by the community and moved to a new location.
The house will be auctioned off in February, with the proceeds going to hospice.
He is in the process of planning exciting fundraising events for hospice for 2008, including a cocktail party incorporating a glass auction to be held in February.
Hospice care is completely free of charge for patients.
While most people think of Hospice Wanganui as the Hospice on Virginia Rd, Mr Aitken said it's much more than that.
"The hospice has palliative care specialists out in the community at any one time we are caring for about 70 patients." Patients can come and stay at the hospice, which has five beds. Often patients stay at the hospice if they need time away from hospital or retirement village care, or if their family needs a break.
Hospice operates with around 49 paid staff members and 175 volunteers.
"The staff are really the strength of the place, as well as the generosity of the volunteers," Mr Aitken said.
"Hospice touches almost every family in the community in some way."
Local property investor turns his hand to raising funds for hospice
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