Shorts Day for Hospice EBoP

Hospice EBoP’s First Shorts day saw a fun and lighthearted opportunity to celebrate the shortest day of the year. It started with BNI’s 7am Thursday morning meeting, with every member (even the guests) in shorts, leading the way as gold sponsors of the event. They welcomed Hospice Fundraising and Volunteer Services Manager Anna Meredith to speak about Hospice, the services provided to help patients live every moment the best they can, and the challenges ahead with the population of over 75 year olds expected to double by 2036.

1xx came on board as a sponsor and also promoted the event over the radio. “It’s so appreciated to have local radio behind community events. The word gets out there, and people are reminded of the work being done in this community to care for those in their final months. It makes such a difference to have that support.” CEO Peter Bassett visited the radio station to thank them and take a photo and was “blown away” by their enthusiasm. “It’s such an enthusiastic team, and they are so involved in fun events, we really value their contribution “.

St Joseph’s Matata invited Hospice Staff to speak to their students about what they do; Anna Meredith was delighted to attend. “It was such a cheerful place with fantastic children, who all got in the spirit and wore shorts in creative ways – over trackpants or leggings, or bravely baring just shorts. We had a chat with the whole school about how Hospice helps people, and the children asked lots of brilliant and thought provoking questions. I was very impressed with their engagement and enthusiasm, and the talk we had about spending our time wisely and using it to help others”.

Individuals and businesses registered by the Hospice website, and some also took collection buckets to raise money and return to Hospice – but this was about awareness and fun, not just raising money. Hospice staff would like to thank all the individuals, businesses and community organisations who got involved and put themselves out there on the shortest day to celebrate life and wear shorts (because life is short).

Above from left: Kerry Nott Pharmacy, Opotiki Pharmacy, ACC, Shorts Brooch, Personnel Resources, 1xx, and O'Hagans