Festive Cheer for Hospice Dec 09
TWINKLING lights and botanical beauty encouraged people to show their true festive spirit this Christmas.
Lee Marsden’s Christmas display in Fratley Avenue, Farm Cove, moved people to open their wallets and donate $7520 to Hospice South Auckland. It was the sixth year Ms Marsden has raised cash for the charitable organisation by decorating her immaculate garden, and welcoming the community into the magical wonderland. To date, she has raised $32,800 from visitor donations. Ms Marsden started fundraising for Hospice because she lost her mum, who was a patient there, the week before Christmas. She also lost her sister to cancer and her father near the holiday season. “I work as a volunteer in day-stay at Hospice South Auckland,” says Ms Marsden. “Christmas is pretty hard for me. I started off with one reindeer, a tree and a few lights and got hooked.” She starts preparing and decorating her front and backyards at the start of October, and on December 1 the lights are switched on. People are not asked for money but there is a Hospice sign at the entrance to the garden. This time people could make a donation when lighting a candle to remember a loved one, which was well-received. All money collected is given to Hospice South Auckland without any expense deductions. There are regulars who attend each year and Ms Marsden has followed the growth of some of the families. “One of the loveliest ones this year was a lady who was in a local [rest] home. “She had lunch with her husband, and he went back to their unit and died. “The family was all together and the next night they brought their mum here. “Their eight-year-old boy walked hand-in-hand with grandma, making sure she was alright, and they went and lit a candle for granddad. Those special times mean so very much.” Hospice’s funding and events manager, Jennifer Kent, says some cancer patients also visit the display thanks to volunteers who take them there. “We have been absolutely elated,” says Ms Kent. “I hold my breath every year, and hope Lee rings me up to say she’s going to do it again, which each year she’s done. “We’re delighted with the results and for the reasons Lee does what she does.” Howick pharmacist John Savory is chairman of the Hospice South Auckland board and says what Ms Marsden does every year is magic. “I never cease to be amazed at the number of people who do things spontaneously. “This is a classic example of ongoing support.”
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