Nelson Tasman Hospice – Trees of Remembrance
This week we chatted with Georgia Ciaran. She is involved in managing the philanthropic and some of the community engagement campaigns as part of the overall Fundraising and Marketing function. This work helps provide some of the funding that Hospice needs to ensure it can provide free specialist palliative care for the community of Nelson Tasman. They need to raise over $3 Million a year to make sure that the ever-increasing demands on the service are able to be met.
Georgia has also completed a PhD focusing on Philanthropy, so she has plenty of ideas and creative ways to help the team reach their financial goals. Always up for a challenge and with a bright bubbly personality, she is the right person for the job.
Georgia spent part of her childhood living in Nelson so she has a strong connection to the region. Her role at the Nelson Tasman Hospice has kept her very busy over the past 2 years as she balances many different tasks and projects.
“It’s part of my role involving public engagement and philanthropy and each year I project manage the Trees of Remembrance campaign and work closely with community volunteers on this as well as the two Farmers stores.”
When asked the question; What do you love most about your job?
“Matching a donor with a Hospice project that they are passionate about. I have a background in securing multimillion-dollar donations for charities and I also work with more modest donors. All of our donors are important to me.”
Tell us what the Trees of Remembrance is all about?
“It’s an international Christmas tradition of hospices which started around 40 years ago. In the Nelson Tasman region, it has been going for around 20 years. There are trees at select locations (see list below) and people are invited to visit the tree stalls, collect a tribute card provided and write a memory of a loved one on the card then place it on the tree. They can donate to Hospice if they wish.
Last year almost $35,000 was raised which is vital to Nelson Tasman Hospice. The stalls accept cash donations and also have tap-n-go machines and a QR donation code. Farmers stores partnered with Hospice NZ 8 years ago to also fundraise in-store for hospices throughout the country. All money donated in Nelson Tasman goes to your Nelson Tasman Hospice.”
Trees of Remembrance Locations:
Nelson and Stoke New Worlds and Richmond Mall 3 -10 Dec
Motueka House of Travel 15-17, 20 – 23 Dec
Eclectic Antiques 29 Nov – 9 Jan
Farmers Nelson and Stoke now to 24 Dec
How can people offer support to Nelson Tasman Hospice?
“In several ways: through Days of Care in which individuals, families and businesses donate $1,000 for a Day of Care for a patient in Hospice’s Specialist Palliative Care Unit, our Wish List which has items often of clinical equipment in need of donation funds, donations for general purposes, become a regular donor or become a major sustaining donor (there are significant tax incentives). Contact me on 027 548 1845 georgia.ciaran@nelsonhospice.org.nz. If you would like to hold your own fundraiser please contact rachel.lake@nelsonhospice.org.nz. If you would like to be a Hospice volunteer please email krisca.gould@nelsonhospice.org.nz
Is there a stand out memory you have experienced in this role?
“Yes! Securing a donation of $90,000 from a wonderful Nelson couple this year who are wanting to make a real difference in their lifetime.
Little known facts about Nelson Tasman Hospice. Hospice needs to raise over $3 million a year to stay free for patients. Approximately 80% of our patients choose to spend their last days at home and the Hospice’s clinical staff and allied health teams support them at home
Remember you can also shop at the Hospice shops in Nelson, Richmond, Motueka and Takaka. Every purchase and/or donation helps.
As I leave our meeting, I take a pen and write a little note to my late uncle Lyn and hang it on the tree. I tell him I’m still using some of his building tools and that I miss his stories. Such a nice moment and one I hope you can share as well.
Visit their website for more information www.nelsonhospice.org.nz
This Post Has 0 Comments