Editorial: Do your bit for charity

Waipuna Hospice CEO, Richard Thurlow. Photo / John Borren

It never ceases to amaze me how little financial assistance is given to vital charities.

These organisations often run on volunteers, donations and good will.

In yesterday's Bay of Plenty Times it was revealed Waipuna Hospice now needs to raise an extra $3600 a week to cope with an increasing number of patients.

Speaking at the hospice's annual meeting recently, chief executive Richard Thurlow said an increased fundraising target of $2.5 million had been set for 2015 to continue providing free services to those in need.

This year a total of $2.3 million - about $44,400 per week - was raised to care for hospice patients, 76 per cent of whom had a primary diagnosis of cancer. The extra money needed would take the weekly total to $48,000.

Organisations like Waipuna Hospice help so many people in the community and it is not only those suffering from terminal illness, but their family and friends who benefit from their services.

The hospice relies on a "generous and caring" community and many philanthropic trusts.

That support is provided through donations, grants, bequests, goods, services, skills and time.

One of its fundraising channels is through its op shops, of which the organisation has four.

A spokeswoman said those shops were continuing to grow in strength. I guess that is a small saving grace for these organisations.

When times get tough and money is a struggle, more people turn to second-hand goods, while others just like to get a bargain.

Another organisation which is always crying out for funds has set up its own op shop in Tauranga.

A St John opportunity shop is set to open in Glen Lyon Ave, in Greerton on December 9. The shop will be a key part of St John's presence in Tauranga.

All proceeds from the sale of items at the opportunity shop will be used locally to support St John activities.

I hope people get behind these organisations and show their support. It could be volunteering, donating goods or services, or even just shopping at their stores.

These organisations help so many people in our community but get so little in return. We could all do our part to keep these organisations afloat.