Totara Hospice October 2017 Newsletter

TOTARATALK OCTOBER 2017

your connection to Hospice tou hononga ki Hospice

COFFEE FOR A CAUSE A self-confessed café aficionado, Adam Schlooz now finds himself on the other side of the espresso machine in his role as a volunteer at the newly opened Café Aroha at Totara Hospice.

A self-employed property trader, Adam came across an online ad for Volunteer Week, which is a nationwide initiative to encourage people to give their time to local organisations. With some time up his sleeve each week, he decided to look into it. “I was looking more at soup kitchens, stuff like that, as I really enjoy cooking.

When I saw Café Aroha come up I thought it was perfect. I could learn how to make coffee and do some good!”

brother went into another Hospice when he had liver cancer… that was the last couple of days. I don’t know if he was even really conscious by the time he got in there. It just seemed terrible. That’s what I thought a hospice was: just a place you go to die. Now I’ve found that’s not the case.”

The induction process at Totara Hospice for new volunteers introduced Adam to the facility and its work on

provides a respite for families. “To be able to come in and sit down and have a rest and a coffee would be quite nice. It’s good for the staff and the community too.”

Adam is helping to grow the pool of regulars as well; encouraging his clients to pop in for a coffee and a catch up when he is there. He is also conscious of his children seeing the importance of volunteering. “That was another reason I looked into it – I

It’s only a few hours a week and it makes you feel like you’re giving back to the community.

It puts positive energy out into the universe.

Café Aroha opened at Totara Hospice’s Charles Prevost Drive site in July and has a growing group of regulars from the local neighbourhood who pop in for coffee and baking, and offers a welcome spot for a bit of time out for families visiting loved ones at Hospice.

Although a local, Adam had been unaware of Totara Hospice until he applied for the role at Café Aroha. He says his understanding of what a Hospice does had been limited. “My

site and around the community. “You get this situation where life has dealt you a terrible blow, but it’s nice to know that there is a place like Hospice that is somewhere you can go to make things just that little bit better,” says Adam. “And not just for you as a patient, but for your family as well. It seems like a wonderful place to go in a horrible situation.”

thought it was a good thing to show the kids. My mother-in-law’s partner has just started doing a bit of volunteering as well. He’s an entertainer so he goes out and sings.”

“It’s only a few hours a week and it makes you feel like you’re giving back to the community. It puts positive energy out into the universe.”

He relishes his role at Café Aroha (where he says the coffee is some of the best he’s had) and likes the fact it

Café Aroha volunteer Adam Schlooz

Ladiefors Lunch

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Hospice

IRD EARLYBAL SPECI $ 5 off all tickets!

Helping Hospice step by step, remembering and honouring someone special you love...

Sunday 18 March 2018 Auckland Botanic Gardens at 7:45am

Adult Pass $35 • Children 10 - 15 years $15 Children 9 and under FREE* (dogs can walk with you for free too!)

Join the fabulous Annabelle White for the 2018 Ladies Lunch.

The perfect opportunity to expand your culinary knowledge and be inspired with her knowledge. So gather the ladies for an entertaining afternoon while enjoying a glass of wine and a 3 course luncheon prepared by Grant Allen and Alfriston College students. Plus enjoy the stunning Hospice Fashion Show, an amazing silent auction and raffles.

Friday 4th May, 2018 11:45am - 3:00pm

Tickets $70pp - Table of 10 $650 Totara Hospice, 140 Charles Prevost Drive, Manurewa, Auckland

BOOK NOW:

www.hospice.co.nz/ladieslunch All proceeds to Totara Hospice Enquiries: rachel.clarke@hospice.co.nz or 09 640 0255

*children (& dogs) must have a paid adult accompanying them

Theme - colours of the Rainbow dress-up to win prizes!

Premier Sponsors

Mary McDonald - Residential Sales

Totara Talk - your connection to Hospice // 01

HOSPICE HELPERS

THE ULTIMATE GOLF DAY

When Melissa Sutherland came home from one of her volunteer shifts at Totara Hospice, she mentioned to her son William that the toy box in the In-Patient Unit was looking a bit bare. The pair went through their cupboards, to see if they had anything to donate, but couldn’t find anything. It was then that William, a Totara Hospice Youth Ambassador, took matters into his own hands and came up with the idea of a Toy Donation Drive at his school, The Gardens.

FRIDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 10AM START

“The next thing I know he’s been to the school principal and had a discussion about it!” says Melissa.

“They were great because they were really supportive in letting him run with it, with organising posters and communication and collecting all the toys. It was a great little thing for him to manage. I’m very proud of him.”

TE HIHI ESTATE KARAKA

William says the school community really got behind the idea. “Kids and families dropped the toys off and we collected them all up – we got heaps! We sorted them and took them over to the Hospice because it’s only across the road from school.”

Because he saw Dad every day right up until he wasn’t communicating any more, William has a real understanding of that stage...

At 13, William is one of the younger Youth Ambassadors in the programme that Totara Hospice runs for students aged 11-19 who help with fundraising and raising the profile of Hospice in the community.

His connection with Hospice came about in 2013 when he and Melissa cared for her father at home following his terminal 6-week diagnosis with cancer. “My dad was a member of the local Lions club and they used to support Hospice,” says Melissa. “But my first direct contact with them was when Dad wanted to stay at home [after the diagnosis]. It was a real privilege looking after Dad… and we were able to do that because of the support we got from the nurses up there.”

Melissa says the experience had a lasting impact on William and she wasn’t surprised when he joined the Youth Ambassadors last year. “I find that he takes it all in his stride – having lost his grandad so young and being right there. Because he saw Dad every day right up until he wasn’t communicating any more, William has a real understanding of that stage.”

Although working full-time, Melissa started volunteering earlier this year too, and helps out in weekends and school holidays. She believes the Youth Ambassador programme, as well as helping Hospice, benefits the Ambassadors, too. “I think it brings an outstanding empathy, and an understanding of others, and just looking outside yourself. I’m a teacher and there are so many children who are incredibly wrapped up in themselves.

And it’s providing service too – doing something for absolutely nothing in return, other than the feeling that you get when someone says thank you.”

The Ultimate Golf Day Experience is available offering the unique opportunity to enjoy the private 9 hole golf course at the Te Hihi Estate residence, also included in the day are Archery, Pistol Tin Can Shooting and Snooker. www.hospicegolfday.co.nz

All proceeds support

Proudly brought to you by

For William, it’s most certainly about giving back.

“I get to help people at Hospice and the Hospice supported my grandad and that’s why I like doing it.

I’m going to keep doing it – even when I get to college next year.”

HOSPICE SHOP CRAWL Grab the ladies for the ultimate shopping day and be assured your credit card won’t take a hit!

Enjoy a day out travelling via bus to four Hospice shops and grab yourself some amazing bargains, plus enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Fisher House - all included.

Saturday 17 February 2018 9am - 3pm Tickets $45pp Book your tickets now at www.hospice.co.nz/shopcrawl

Enjoy a festive evening for the whole family Whether it’s shopping for original Christmas gifts for friends and family, enjoying Carols and entertainment, indulging in the delicious range of international foods available from a range of stalls – there’s something for everyone.

TREES OF REMEMBRANCE FARMERS Farmers stores will be busy again this Christmas raising funds for hospices throughout the country with the Trees of Remembrance campaign.

The four Farmers stores supporting Totara Hospice are Manukau, Pakuranga, Papakura and Botany.

As well as having the Trees of Remembrance in store, Farmers will also be selling beautiful glass Christmas tree baubles. The baubles will be available at Farmers for $10 each, with all proceeds being donated to support local hospice services.

Please pop into your local Farmers store, make a donation to place a card on the Tree of Remembrance and help raise much-needed funds for Totara Hospice.

02 // Totara Talk - your connection to Hospice

Tuesday 5th December 2017 5.30pm – 9pm Totara House, 140 Charles Prevost Drive, The Gardens, Manurewa www.hospice.co.nz Contact Jo Davis on 09 640 0243 - jo.davis@hospice.co.nz

CLOSE SHAVE FOR TOTARA HOSPICE Seeing first-hand the difference that Totara Hospice’s team could make to her palliative care patients was all the inspiration Beachlands GP Dr Rebecca Starr needed to launch a fundraising campaign to support their work.

“I’ve had quite a few palliative care patients over the last few years, so have had a lot to do with Hospice and families of patients who have gone through a difficult time with their loved one dying,” says Rebecca. “It’s quite difficult not to get emotionally involved.

You’re not supposed to as a GP, but I kind of do.”

It was last summer that she started to think about how she could raise money and awareness for Totara Hospice and for the Cancer Society and its research work. Rebecca decided that shaving her head would be effective in drawing attention to her cause. She laughs as she recalls that it seemed like the perfect idea at the time. “It was a lot warmer… but by the time I got organised it was the middle of winter!”

Rebecca set up a Givealittle page with the aim of raising a couple of thousand dollars and advertised it locally in Beachlands. “So many people

donated – I was really surprised, but also not, I think because it’s one of those things that so many of us are touched by in one way or another that it struck a chord. I also had friends and family overseas who donated as well.”

By the time the shave happened in August, Rebecca had raised just under $9500 for Totara Hospice and the Cancer Society. It took place in the waiting room at the Beachlands Medical Centre. “We had about 60 or 70 people turn up! My lovely local hairdresser agreed to shave it all off for me. She was quite nervous because she’d never done that before and had a big audience watching her! She did a great job. I was sitting there facing this huge crowd, with no mirror, so I had no idea what I was looking like – all I could do was look at the reflected emotions on their faces.

The little girls were looking completely horrified and all the guys who were going bald had big smiles on their

Close shave for Totara Hospice

It’s quite difficult not to get emotionally involved.

You’re not supposed to as a GP, but I kind of do... faces! It was quite nerve-wracking and then the first thing I did was to feel it – which was quite a shock.”

Rebecca says she was thrilled to be able to raise so much for something that makes such a difference to patients and their families. “I think people are very nervous about the idea of hospice care but once they

get it it’s such a relief. The nurses who come in [for home visits] really know what’s available in terms of support and OT [occupational therapy] equipment. Patients who have been struggling and their families who have been struggling to look after them suddenly realise there’s support out there.”

With New Zealand’s ageing population meaning greater demand on palliative care services, Rebecca says it’s important people understand how crucial donations are. “For all this wonderful care and support that they’re providing, they need mad people like me to shave their head occasionally!”

DONATION STATIONS

It’s time to indulge in

A Latin American Fiesta

Clear out your good quality unwanted items and help Hospice at the same time!

Sunday 5th November 2017 12 noon – 5pm

We are pleased to launch Totara Hospice Donation Stations – that can be placed at your work, club or community event to collect donations of “Just the Good Stuff”, which will then be sold at one of our Hospice Charity Shops, to raise much-needed funds for Totara Hospice services.

Okahu, 18 Tamaki Drive, Okahu Bay, Orakei Enjoy a 9 dish long lunch prepared by Chef Ben Barton of Scarecrow hosted by the fabulous Michele A’Court whilst enjoying the stunning views over the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour.

The flavours of South America will be showcased in this scrumptious luncheon, matched with a stunning selection of wines.

It’s easy – we will deliver and pick up your Donation Station to your address to request a Donation Station contact Willie on 021 740 051 or email willie.singleton@hospice.co.nz

Tickets are $155pp or book a table of 10 for $1450

Buen Provecho!

Book Now: www.hospicelonglunch.co.nz Contact Mel Seal on 021740772

Proudly supported by

Doing good for Totara Hospice Join our friendly team of volunteers!

Do you have some spare time and want to help make a difference? We are seeking volunteers to work in various areas and roles to support the work of Totara Hospice.

Retail – Join our friendly team of volunteers and help turn pre-loved donated goods into much needed support for our patients and their families. We are looking for more volunteers in our Manukau Shop, and for weekend shifts in our Takanini and Pakuranga Shops. If you have an interest in providing positive customer service with a friendly, helpful and courteous attitude, then we want to hear from you. You don’t need specific retail skills, we will provide you with the support and advice you need to do this role.

Drivers – We are looking for drivers on a casual basis to transport patients to and from Totara Hospice and hospital appointments. This requires a positive attitude along with a reliable, road-legal vehicle and a full clean driver’s licence. We are looking for drivers who can pick up from the following areas – Mangere, Papatoetoe, Maraetai and Clevedon.

Café – Café Aroha is on-site at Totara House and provides a place for patients and families, staff and our local community to come and enjoy a hot beverage or a bite to eat. We are looking for some fun, friendly volunteers to join our team. Barista or café experience is an advantage but not essential, as training will be provided.

Trees of Remembrance Community Volunteers Our annual Trees of Remembrance campaign is back, Friday 1st – Sunday 24th December 2017 and we need volunteers! Your time will help a patient suffering from a life-limiting illness, while also helping someone this festive season remember and honour a loved one.

If you’re interested in helping us please visit http://signup.com/go/treesofremembrance2017 or contact Rachel on 09 640 0255 - email rachel.clarke@hospice.co.nz

To volunteer or for more information, please contact us on 09 640 0219 or volunteer@hospice.co.nz

Trees of Remembrance Shift organisers – phone work – A big aspect of the campaign is booking in volunteers via the phone for the shifts in the community, if you are comfortable chatting on the phone, using the computer and have some time in November we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Rachel on 09 640 0255 or email rachel.clarke@hospice.co.nz Christmas Night Markets - December 5th – we are looking for lots of Christmas Elves to help us with our upcoming Christmas Night markets event, we need gift wrappers, car parking attendants, stall managers and we even need Santa?!

Please contact Jo on jo.davis@hospice.co.nz or phone 09 640 0243 if you can volunteer.

Spread the Love - Jam and Chutney makers needed, we are looking for some fabulous volunteers to cook up a storm in our kitchen on site to make jars of preserves we can sell for fundraising. If you can help please contact Jo on jo.davis@hospice.co.nz or phone 09 640 0243.

Totara Talk - your connection to Hospice // 03

CHANGE IS CONTINUAL AND THAT’S OK

Kia ora tātou, Kia Orana, Talofa Lava, Malo e lelei, Fakaalofa Lahi Atu, Ni sa Bula Vinaka, Namaste, Ní hăo, Hola! Greetings to All It often strikes me that part of what can be difficult in our world can also be the very thing that causes us to be joyous and to treasure time, shared stories and shared aspirations.

As time goes by we see that change is continual. We can’t stop it, we can only go forward. This year at Totara, we have continued to embrace change and move forward together.

Isn’t that just what we support the patient and families we are privileged to care for to do?

It’s hard to believe that it has been 6 months since our last newsletter and that we are now heading towards summer and shared holidays.

Over the previous months we have continued to form new relationships, adapt our approach to our work and to look outside of what we have always known for different perspectives and solutions to old issues and problems. Importantly we have continued to lobby for fair

funding. The 59% funding that we receive from government via the DHB is not enough if we are going to remain an available and free service within our much loved community.

We have hosted clinical workshops, community feedback events on palliative care and even a careers day with the local schools, supported by local businesses. We also opened up our on-site café – Café Aroha – a practical way to extend facilities for patients, families and workforce and importantly to invite our community into Hospice to see hospice is about living well whilst enabling and easy and fun way to support us.

Our volunteers and youth ambassadors have been fundamental to the success not only of our clinical services but our retail and event successes. As a result, we have been able to provide over 11,000 home visits, 2500 bed days in our in-patient

unit, 800 day hospice contacts and we even opened an out-patient service and saw over 350 patients for assessment and care planning; working in conjunction with a person’s family doctor and/or hospital specialist.

We also were delighted to form part of a regional collaboration, the Palliative Outcomes Initiative (Poi) with the three Auckland metro DHBs and five of the other part-publically funded hospices across Auckland, to deliver more consistent and equitable care across the region and support local GPs and residential care colleagues by working together over the next 3 years.

difference for the future of our Hospice. We are experiencing first hand that change is indeed continual and we are ok.

We could not have been successful without the support of great staff, volunteers, sponsors and donors.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Here’s to continuing to make hospice happen for our community.

Tina McCafferty Chief Executive

Hope to see you for a coffee.

Yes, it has been a significant year for us. We are furthering our story of our hospice and sharing greater aspirations for our future. Although it has not always been easy, it has often been a lot of fun and importantly we know that it is making a positive

Totara Hospice Winter Appeal Thank you to everyone who donated to our Winter Appeal in August. The Appeal raised a record total of $19,035! This would not have been possible without the generous support of local businesses allowing us to collect in store, our many volunteers and of course those who made a donation.

BNZ Closed for Good. On 23rd August two groups of BNZ staff offered their services as part of BNZ Closed for Good. They helped our staff at Totara Hospice with a Social Media planning workshop, whilst another group were kept busy painting the inside of our Takanini Hospice Shop. Thank you for all your hard work!

The Gardens School. The Gardens School is a major supporter of Totara Hospice, with the staff, children and parents always willing to help us out. On 25th August they held their Heroes for Hospice mufti day, raising an impressive $684 for Totara Hospice, and looking super in the process! Thank you for your on-going support!

Gurinder and Aiga volunteering for our Winter Appeal at Botany Town Centre

The BNZ Closed for Good team at the Takanini Hospice Shop

The Gardens School Heroes for Hospice

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS FOR YOUR GENEROUS GRANTS • Support for Volunteering Fund • Ara lodge No. 348 • Geoffrey and Nell Erne Adams Charitable Trust • Whitehouse Tavern Trust • Maurice Paykel Charitable Trust

OUR WISHLIST

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Are you able to donate any of the following items to support the work of Totara Hospice? Please contact Renee Pickering on 09 640 0280 before purchasing: • $558 for two TomTom GPS Navigators for Day Hospice vans for our volunteer drivers when they are picking up patients • $100 for the purchase of five pressure relieving cushions for patient comfort • Hand held battery operated fans for patient use

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Visit www.hospice.co.nz to donate please enter reference NL1017

Internet Banking

3

ASB 12-3032-0715880-02 Particulars: Surname/Company Code: First Name Reference: NL1017

Call

(09) 640 0250

Please accept my donation of:

If you wish to pay via credit card:

❑ $20

Please debit my: Visa

❑ $50

❑ $100

Surprise Us: $______________________

• Waterproof mattress covers (single size) x5 • Canned fruit

Surname:

• Briscoes vouchers for the purchase of linen and towels for the Inpatient Unit

Address:

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Mail

Mail the donation slip below to Totara Hospice PO Box 75560 Manurewa 2243

Mastercard

Amex

Card Number: Expiry (mm/yy):

/

Cardholder’s name Signature

Phone: Email:

❑ 04 // Totara Talk - your connection to Hospice

It’s easy to donate Donate online

DETAILS: First Name:

If you can help us please contact renee.pickering@hospice.co.nz or 09 640 0280, please do contact Renee before purchasing. Thank you for your support

YES! I would like to donate to help hospice support patients and their families.

lease send me information about including P Totara Hospice in my will.

Please make cheques payable to Totara Hospice. All donations over $5 are tax deductible - Charities Commission number: CC21683 The Privacy Act of 1993 requires us to advise you that we keep contact information of supporters on file to help us with fundraising. If you do not wish us to keep your information, please advise us. If you wish to check the details that we have on your file, you are welcome to enquire. Please notify us if you wish to be removed from our mailing list.