Whangarei's North Haven Hospice has had its coffers boosted by $6800 from more than $600,000 that was donated to hospices across the country from a new relationship with Farmers Trading Company called Caring Connections in Our Community.
In the four weeks leading up to Christmas each of the 56 Farmers stores hosted a Tree of Remembrance and asked customers to make a donation to support their local hospice service.
The final total announced yesterday of $610,791 has amazed the team at Hospice NZ and Farmers, with $6800 going to North Haven Hospice.
"We are absolutely overwhelmed by the way Farmers staff and customers embraced this campaign to support hospice. Who could have predicted such phenomenal success for the first year of this relationship," commented Hospice NZ chief executive Mary Schumacher.
As well as raising funds, the campaign was also about raising awareness for hospice services.
North Haven Hospice general manager Leonie Gallaher said: "We are delighted with the results from this relationship with our local Farmers store, the team did everything they could to make this a success."
A formal cheque presentation was made by Farmers to Ms Gallaher yesterday at the Whangarei Farmers store.