(Tuesday, 5 September 2023)
A heartwarming partnership between Farmers NZ and Hospice NZ has been flourishing over the past few years, bringing solace and support to the local community.
The spotlight of this collaboration for our region has been the dedicated efforts of the Blenheim Farmers Store, which, during its annual Christmas Fundraising Appeal in 2022, raised an astounding $19,551 for Hospice Marlborough.
The holiday season, known for its joy and festivities, can also be a time when cherished memories of loved ones who are no longer with us become especially poignant. From mid-November until Christmas Eve, Farmers teams engage in a two-fold fundraising initiative that embraces these memories.
Tree of Remembrance: The first involves a ‘Tree of Remembrance’ at Farmers stores where individuals who make donations during this period receive a card to inscribe a special message dedicated to their loved ones. These heartfelt messages are then placed on the tree in memory, fostering a sense of shared remembrance and solidarity.
Unique Christmas Bauble: Additionally, every year a unique Christmas bauble is designed whereby 100% of the proceeds from all instore bauble sales generously supported by the local community, are donated to their local Hospice.
Once a year, Farmers Blenheim team members and Hospice Marlborough staff then come together to take part in a meaningful memorial to honour the memory of those we have loved and lost.
The lovely staff at Farmers Blenheim are wonderful at spreading awareness of our Hospice services, so on Tuesday 5th September 2023, to show gratitude, their team was invited to Hospice Marlborough for a Memorial Celebration in the beautiful hospice gardens. During this ritual all labels from the Tree of Remembrance were placed into a chiminea. Time was taken to reflect on the loved ones mentioned in the beautiful messages whilst the fire burned and a heartfelt poem written by a former Hospice staff member, called ‘Remembering Together’, was read.
2023 will be the tenth year of the Farmers NZ Christmas Campaign in support of Hospices across New Zealand. In total the nationwide campaign has raised just under $7M. This year, the campaign will feature another unique stunning bauble for sale, along with the Tree of Remembrance, and kicks off from 16 November until close of business on Christmas Eve.
Hospice Marlborough deeply appreciates the tremendous fundraising efforts of the Farmers Blenheim team, who dedicate themselves each year to making a positive impact on the community. This heartwarming partnership underscores the importance of community support and remembrance during the holiday season.
Remembering Together
“Glowing flames and embers reflect thoughts.
Within the heart, treasured memories of loved ones gone and messages from those who are apart.
We gather sweet reflections to dance amongst the sparks on their journey home.
Together we remember, and by remembering together, we are not alone”
Photo: Hospice Marlborough clinical services staff with Bradley, Belinda and Sharon from Farmers Blenheim
Photography: Matt Brown Photography