Fundraisers scholarships 07

Two hospice fundraisers have won this year’s House of Travel fundraising scholarships.

Hibiscus Coast Hospice fundraising co-ordinator Vincent Maire (pic right) and Hospice Waikato fundraising and events manager Diana Fabish (pic left) were ecstatic when told of their success.

“I feel truly privileged to have the opportunity to develop my skills and talents for the greater good of Hospice Waikato,” says Diana. “House of Travel support just doesn’t stop at money – it extends to professional development of hospice staff.”

Vincent says it was both a thrill and an honour to win the scholarship. “My thanks to our good friends at House of Travel and also to Hospice New Zealand for making this possible. It really is quite humbling.”

Both Vincent and Diana have opted to attend the University of Indiana, School of Philanthropy, course in Auckland in July.

“The University of Indiana course, Fundraising 101, is recognised as being the best of its kind in the world. Other fundraisers have nothing but praise for the course. I am also excited at the prospect of spending one whole week in the company of other fundraisers,” says Vincent.

The joint Hospice New Zealand and House of Travel initiative was introduced last year to help further hospice fundraisers’ professional development.

Hospice New Zealand national funding manager Rachel Thompson says it is not very often that the national body is in a position to reward fundraising teams’ work.

“But thanks to House of Travel we can. The scholarships are an incredibly generous way to acknowledge the fundraisers, who quite often have limited professional development opportunities.

“Available funds for that sort of thing, naturally, go first to clinical staff and patient needs. But it’s really important for fundraisers to increase their knowledge base because each year the financial targets set for them are increasing!”

Vincent has worked at Hibiscus Coast Hospice for almost two years now in what is his first role as a fulltime fundraiser. His background is in marketing and communications.

He joined the hospice just as it launched a campaign to raise $7 million for a new purpose-built six-bed inpatient unit. The capital campaign is almost complete.

Diana is also a first-time fundraiser, having joined Hospice Waikato in January. She too has a huge task ahead as Hospice Waikato is launching a capital campaign after buying new premises before Christmas.

Diana previously worked as business development officer for Southland Building Society.

Fundraisers who missed out this year are urged to apply for the next round of scholarships. Applications are called for each November and the two winners are announced the following February.

Recipients can choose to attend one of three conferences or courses. House of Travel covers travel to and from the chosen event and contributes $1000 toward course costs.

The scholarships complement the House of Travel-sponsored volunteer awards that are announced on International Volunteers Day each December.

The two successful recipients of those awards win a trip for two to the Gold Coast plus four nights’ accommodation, courtesy of House of Travel.