Dig out your shorts for Hospice Day

Far North Hospice events co-ordinator Margaret Tolladay and operations manager Davina Reed couldn't resist a dummy run on Tuesday for Shorts for Hospice Day.

June 21, the shortest day of the year, might not be especially warm, but Margaret Tolladay has high hopes that, whatever the weather, the people of Kaitaia and surrounds will don shorts anyway.

Margaret is leading the promotion of Shorts for Hospice Day to raise awareness and funds for Kaitaia's Far North Community Hospice, and the choice of shorts was intentional.

"Life is short, but for patients in our care life is shorter," she said. All money raised would stay in Kaitaia for the benefit of local patients and their families.

"We would love it if you would wear your crazy shorts, short shorts, long shorts, tiny shorts, tartan shorts, swimming shorts, or whatever shorts takes your fancy," she said.

"And let me know (at admin@fnpacc.org.nz) if you have a plan in mind, like a shortbread-making competition or making short blacks, the most dazzling shorts or Fred Dagg shorts."

Margaret, who is the events co-ordinator, has also come up with a couple of events to mark Hospice Awareness Week (see pages 13 and 14), starting with a car rally that will leave from where Kaitaia's town clock used to be, on the corner of Commerce Street and Redan Road, at 1.30 on Sunday afternoon.

"Sunday is Mother's Day, so this will be a great chance to spend some time with Mum," she said.

"Izzie the clown will be there too, and keen for a chat."

Last year's inaugural rally had been so popular that Hospice had been asked to organise another one, although a new route had been chosen this time.

And on Saturday week (May 20) the band Kurfew would be back at the Kaitaia RSA for the Community Hospice Mid-Winter Rock.

Tickets for both events are available at the i-Site at Te Ahu, Essentially Flowers in Kaitaia and First National at Mangonui.