(Monday, 08 July 2024)
Hospice Marlborough is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of two new shops in Picton, a significant step towards enhancing community engagement and fundraising efforts for palliative care services in the region.
When Carole Crawford began her role as Chief Executive 18 months ago, the then Chairperson of the Marlborough Hospice Trust Board expressed a vision of opening a Hospice Shop in Picton. As a Picton resident, Carole recognized the potential, particularly during weekends and the summer season, and identified it as a future project.
Eighteen months on, with several retail spaces becoming available in Picton, Hospice Marlborough completed their research and approached their preferred landlord, who was wonderful to work with. As a result, leases for not just one, but two locations, were secured including the space previously occupied by Trade Aid, which, unfortunately, closed at the end of June.
This strategic move not only provides a platform to showcase Hospice Marlborough’s mission and services but also serves as a vital fundraising avenue.
Plans are underway to appoint a Shops Manager early July who will collaborate with the Redwoodtown Shop Manager Christine Law to set up operations, recruit volunteers, and begin accepting quality donations. Items such as furniture, books, household goods and bric-a-brac, clothing, and jewellery in good condition will be welcomed and will directly support Hospice Marlborough’s palliative care services.
Hospice Marlborough provides its services free of charge to patients and their families, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or age. However, there is a significant cost involved. Currently, Hospice Marlborough receives just over 50% of its annual funding from Health New Zealand, with the shortfall of $850,000 being raised every year through the generous support of the community. Proceeds from the Hospice charity shops will help sustain Hospice Marlborough’s commitment to providing specialised palliative care services throughout Picton, Waikawa, the Marlborough Sounds, and wider Marlborough.
“We envision these shops as more than retail spaces; they are support hubs of the community,” says Ms Crawford. “Our goal is to ensure everyone facing life-limiting illnesses receives compassionate care in their chosen setting, whether at home, in care facilities, or at our inpatient unit on Hospital Road in Blenheim.”
Ms Crawford also acknowledges the invaluable support of Josh Gregory of Gregory Engineering and his colleague Picton firefighter volunteers, whose dedicated efforts helped facilitated the shop setup. Their assistance in handling heavy equipment in preparing the premises has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.
“The enthusiasm and generosity of the Picton community have been pivotal in making this venture possible,” stated Ms Crawford. “We are grateful for the overwhelming support and look forward to welcoming volunteers who have already expressed interest in contributing to our shops.”
A soft opening is anticipated in August, with plans for an official opening event to follow, celebrating the collaborative effort that has made opening the new Picton Hospice charity shops possible.
For more information about Hospice Marlborough and ways to get involved, please visit www.hospicemarlborough.org.nz.
Main Photo: Hospice Marlborough CEO Carole Crawford stands with the Volunteer Picton Fire Brigade. Josh Gregory of Gregory Engineering (an active fire brigade volunteer) who was instrumental in gathering his colleagues to assist, stands 7th from left. Christine Law Hospice Shops Manager Redwoodtown and her husband Richard were also on hand to help on the day.