Cossie club ready to help out hospice

Masterton Cosmopolitan Club's donation and raffle for Hospice Wairarapa with Steve O'Hara (left) and Jim Laird. Photo / Lynda Feringa

Masterton Cosmopolitan Club is embracing the spirit of giving this Christmas and is set to donate thousands of dollars worth of food to Hospice Wairarapa for Christmas through community donations and their annual raffle.

Club member Jim Laird, who has co-ordinated Cossie Club's charity raffle for seven years, said even though the club is facing tough times financially, it is still important to remember the people in the community who are experiencing tougher times, particularly at Christmas.

"We find that with the hospice, it's something that all of the club members can relate to," he said. "Because we all, unfortunately, have either had family members or know very close friends who are in need of their service.

"We think that Hospice Wairarapa do a sterling job and it's something that we can help out with, we believe, in a meaningful way."

Festive lights illuminate several tables at the Cossie Club which are crowded with the donated non-perishable goods; a small selection of these will be the prize for the club's raffle to raise more money for Hospice Wairarapa.

Club secretary manager Steve O'Hara said he wanted to thank all of the club's supporters, particularly New World Masterton.

"All money will be going to hospice, and all of the goods that aren't in the raffle are donated to hospice," he said.

"They then distribute it all to families as they see fit."

Raffle tickets are selling at the Cossie Club for $1 each or six for $5.

Mr Laird, who has been a member of Masterton Cosmopolitan Club since 1977, said the feedback he has had from Hospice Wairarapa in the past has been "most appreciative".

"It's something meaningful, especially right on Christmas," he said.

"And with the club members bringing all their donations in and buying raffle tickets, I'd be very surprised if we didn't have in excess of $2000 worth of goods and donations to give to the hospice."