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MORE THAN WORDS | AUGUST 2021
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ANNUAL STREET APPEAL
WELLY AWARD WELL DESERVED
Congratulations to Biddy Harford, CE of Te Omanga Hospice, for winning a Wellingtonian of the Year Award in the Community Service category. The awards celebrate achievements and contributions across all sectors
of the greater Wellington community. In her acceptance speech, Biddy acknowledged the Founders of Te Omanga Hospice, staff, patients and their families, commenting that they were the
“real heroes”.
Their moving and raw performance took us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions
as they explored the Kubler- Ross stages of grief. It evoked tears from the audience and
a deep respect for the young people performing. The audience included patients, staff and family members.
We are thankful to Helen and the students for sharing their emotive performance with us, and we are delighted they have agreed to perform at our Changing Minds Conference in October.
Despite the wintry conditions, nearly 300 volunteers donned pink aprons and hit the streets
in the Hutt Valley in May to collect much needed donations to support those we care for. After cancelling our street collection last year due to Covid-19, it was great to be out and about in our community again.
This year we introduced new technology to help with the organisation of our appeal. An online booking system assisted in coordinating many volunteers.
At selected sites people could donate via eftpos or tap to donate machines as we recognise not everyone carries money in their wallet or purse these days.
A huge thank you to the volunteers, area coordinators and businesses who allowed us to collect in their premises or doorways. Thank you to the generous people who donated helping raise an amazing $37,014.68. Whether you gave a little or a lot, your kindness means so much.
A COMPASSIONATE PERFORMANCE
In June, performing arts students from St Oran’s College visited our hospice to perform a drama based on the theme of compassionate communities, loss and grief. As part of their research, they spent some time talking to patients and staff.
“The students approached the topic with some trepidation. It was fascinating watching their journey as they embraced what are challenging concepts for young people. The real learning for them was developing an understanding of the process
of death as a part of the cycle of life,” says Helen Jones, Head of Performing Arts at St Oran’s College.
Chris and Phoebe from King Toyota collecting outside Queensgate.
“It was fascinating watching their journey as they embraced what are challenging concepts for young people”