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By Chris Harrowell, Eastern Times
Residents from across east and south Auckland have come together to support the vital Tōtara Hospice service after it was impacted by a devastating fire.
People were invited to meet at the organisation’s facility in The Gardens and take part in the recent Hīkoi for Hospice community fundraising event.
It saw about 70 people walk for either 3km or 5pm with their friends and family members followed by a shared sausage sizzle.
Every step and every donation on the journey along the Hīkoi route will go to providing compassionate care to those who need it most.
Tōtara Hospice fundraising manager Kim Sinfield says the event was staged in response to the recent fire that destroyed the organisation’s Takanini Op Shop and distribution centre, a loss that has “deeply affected both the organisation and the wider community”.
“Combined with ongoing funding constraints, the hospice has faced difficult decisions, including reductions in patient services and staff redundancies.
“They are changes that have had a significant impact on families who rely on its care and support.
“The walk was the brainchild of two local community leaders, Pat Spellman and Matt Winiata, who were moved to take action after witnessing the impact of these events on the hospice and the community it serves.
“Their goal was simple but powerful – to raise both funds and awareness for this vital local service that provides compassionate end-of-life care to one of New Zealan’s largest, most diverse, and financially deprived regions.”
Sinfield says participants in the Hīkoi could choose between a 3km or 5km course, guided by volunteers from What Hope, who ensured almost everyone stayed on track.
“Despite the bright and blustery weather, spirits were high as walkers of all ages made their way through the Tōtara Park course.
“Among them was Dr James, a familiar face to many after the TV3 documentary series Hospice Heroes, who completed the walk in his customary bright yellow scrubs, adding a splash of colour and character to the day.
“After the walk, walkers and volunteers were treated to a sausage sizzle and raffle, made possible thanks to generous support from Woolworths Takanini, who provided the food, and Bunnings Warehouse, who donated the barbecue.
“The grill was manned by members of the Papakura Coastguard, adding another layer of local support to the event.
“The Hīkoi for Hospice was a powerful demonstration of local unity and compassion, with every step taken helping to sustain the essential services Tōtara Hospice provides to terminally ill patients and their families across south and south-east Auckland.”
