Media Releases

It's Time to Remember

April 2007.- The public is being encouraged to hold a Time to Remember next month to help ensure hospice care remains free for all New Zealanders.

There are 37 hospices operating in New Zealand under Hospice New Zealand's umbrella. They provide free palliative care to people living with a terminal illness, while also supporting family/whanau and friends.

All hospices have joined forces for the national appeal, which aims to raise more than $650,000 this year. Last year's appeal was so successful it raised more than the targeted $500,000.

The public can get behind the appeal by either holding a Time to Remember event or making a donation in their appeal envelope when it is delivered to all households between May 14-20.

Each year the Time to Remember gives people a chance to host a get-together and have some fun and raise money for their chosen hospice.

For more information, or to register as a host, phone 0800 TIME 4 FUN (846 343) or visit www.time-to-remember.org.nz.

Each host will be sent a pack containing everything they need to plan their event – an album full of recipes by celebrity chef and hospice ambassador Jo Seagar, as well as invitation postcards, donation envelopes and other helpful hints.

Money raised will help top up hospices' funding. They are partially Government funded but rely heavily on community fundraising to cover running costs.

"There are many people in our community in need of free hospice care," says Hospice New Zealand chief executive Mary Schumacher.

"You only have to visit a hospice or speak to someone with a hospice connection to see the impact this specialist care has on patients, their families/whanau and friends. It really helps them to make the most of life."

For more details about hospice visit www.hospice.org.nz or call your local hospice.

ENDS