TOTARATALK NOVEMBER 2016
your connection to Hospice tou hononga ki Hospice
INSPIRING YOUTH
Teen Rosie Kennedy reflects on her three years leading the Totara Hospice Youth Ambassador team When a lot of teenagers would choose to spend their spare time with friends or playing sport, Rosie Kennedy chose helping Totara Hospice. She had first encountered Hospice while in intermediate school, when her grandmother received care. A couple of years later she decided it was her turn to help. “I wanted to do something that would give back to the Hospice because they did a lot for my family, when my Nana was there,” she says. “I got in touch with Mel [Melinda Seal, Head of Fundraising, Sponsorship and Marketing] and did my first event. I had so much fun that I kept doing more and then we created the Youth Ambassador programme.”
She says some of her friends were initially a bit baffled when she told them about what she was doing. “They kind of thought it was weird, because they didn’t know what a hospice was and then I talked to them about it and some of them were like ‘Oh, can I try and do that too?’” Now 18 and in her final year of secondary school, Rosie is preparing to leave her role as Head Youth Ambassador, but will become a Senior
She says another was travelling to Wellington in June to accept the Youth Health Team Volunteer Award from Minster of Health, Hon. Dr Jonathan Coleman, as part of the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards at Parliament House. The national awards programme celebrates and recognises the invaluable contributions of volunteers to the health and disability sector in New Zealand. “That was so amazing. It was more special being the first person [in the programme] and being able to reflect that now there’s a whole group of people helping a good cause; and getting recognised for it.”
… knowing the work I’ve done means that other families get to have the same sort of treatment that my nana was able to have..
Now in its fourth year, the Youth Ambassador team comprises students aged 11-19 who volunteer at Totara Hospice. Their work includes helping with fundraising events and raising the profile of the hospice in its local community and among other young people. The team has around 22 students and Rosie has headed the group since its inception.
Youth Ambassador and help to guide those in the younger group. Looking back on her three years as their leader, she has several highlights. “The thing I’ve enjoyed the most has been being able to give back and knowing the work I’ve done means that other families get to have the same sort of treatment that my nana was able to have; so they know that their loved one who’s in hospice is in good hands.”
For Rosie, her role as a Youth Ambassador has reaped big rewards. “Being a leader for them has helped me with my leadership roles at school as well. And just taking a few hours out of your day to go and help at an event – we know that even though we’re not donating money or anything we’re saving the Hospice money by
Rosie Kennedy, Head Youth Ambassador for Totara Hospice not having to hire waiters or anything. “It’s the satisfying feeling that you’re doing something for other people and you don’t expect anything in return – you just know you’re supporting a
good cause and making the world a little bit better.” Find out more about the Youth Ambassador team – email: melinda.seal@hospice.co.nz
AN ITALIAN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER A huge thank you to all who joined us on Sunday 16th October for our fourth annual Long Lunch at the Bluestone Room. 200 people enjoyed a nine dish Italian Affair and with the help of our sponsors and guests, we are thrilled to announce that $50,000 was raised for Totara Hospice – our most successful Long Lunch yet! We could not have achieved such an incredible result without our fabulous youth ambassadors, celebrity hosts, our MC the fantastic Michele A’Court and chefs Ben Barton of Scarecrow and Sam Mannering of Homestead, assisted by the NZMA Culinary students.
Special thanks to our funding and auction sponsors, and of course to those who participated in our raffles and auctions on the day. With three tables already booked for next year’s Long Lunch, it is sure to be a sell-out, so book Sunday 15th October 2017 in your calendar and head to: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2017/hospice-long-lunch/auckland to book tickets and secure your seat! For more information contact Melinda (09) 640 0208 melinda.seal@hospice.co.nz
CHRISTMAS GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING! Now is the time to order your delicious Christmas goodies, either to complement your festive feast or as the ideal gift. The range includes Christmas cakes, puddings, hams and hampers, they taste great, and help Hospice! There is a variety of sizes and prices available and a donation from each sale will be made to Totara Hospice. To view the range and place an order go to www.hospice.co.nz/christmas For more information please contact Julayne on 09 640 0250 or email julayne.jones@hospice.co.nz
Hams from
$57
Cakes from
$23 Totara Talk - your connection to Hospice // 01