Caring for our community is a walk in the park
Community Raises over $58,000
Prizes for Best Fundraisers

On 18th April 2010, around 800 women and many volunteers gave up their Sunday morning to participate in the inaugural Sunrise Walk for Hospice South Auckland. The atmosphere was one of celebration, remembrance and sisterhood. The Walk was a fundraising and awareness event for the Hospice. The funding raised from the Walk will help “keep the Hospice doors open” by supporting the operational costs of the Hospice service, which is free to all.

Up to and since the walk the women who participated have continued to raise funds through sponsorships, and some arm twisting. Although the event finalised during Hospice Awareness Week (17-23 May) money is still coming in.

“The response of the community has been tremendous,” says Gary Sturgess, Chief Executive. “Everyone is waiting for the next one. Sponsors are lining up for next year and we can only say a big Thank You to the community of South Auckland.”

In presenting prizes to those who raised the most, Gary commented that the costs of the event had been met by the many sponsors including Hawkins Construction, Holcim Cement and Coverstaff. The more than $59,000 raised by the walkers will be used to keep providing hospice and palliative care services to the community.

The highest individual fundraiser was Rajita Patel. Rajita has been volunteering for Hospice for over 6 yrs and was inspired to participate and raise funds by the service she has seen hospice provide to the community. Rajita was presented with her prize which is a holiday in Australia, flights courtesy of Pacific Blue, accommodation courtesy of House of Travel and Duty Free vouchers from JR Duty Free.

Judy Fawdray put together her Femmes 500 Team One team as she had seen the work of hospice with loved ones. Judy lives near the hospice and together with her group raised the highest amount of any team. The team receives a spending spree courtesy of JR Duty Free.

Gary Sturgess, Chief Executive presents Rajita Patel with her prize for being the highest individual fundraiser.	Gary Sturgess presents Judy Fawdray and her team with their prize as the highest team fundraisers. L to R. Gary Sturgess, Judy Fawdray, Marina Phillips, Margaret Travers, Margy Morrison.	The winner of the Ladies Fragrance hamper is Angela Coromandel. Big thank you to everyone who bought tickets. Your support is very much appreciated. Congratulations Angela!