Hospice calling for appeal collectors

The Rotorua Community Hospice is looking for volunteers. Pictured is funding manager Jan Morgan.

Each year they help more than 400 patients and their families - now it is Rotorua Hospice's turn to ask for a helping hand.

The Rotorua Community Hospice is looking for volunteers to help shake the buckets during the annual appeal on April 1-2.

So far, they've got a handful of the 80 volunteers they need to help out over the two days, and funding manager Jan Morgan is appealing for more to come forward.

Ms Morgan said each year the hospice looked after 420 patients and their families.

She said public appeals were necessary because only about 43 per cent of the operating costs were covered by government funding.

"That translates into an $800,000 operating deficit."

Ms Morgan said money was needed for operational costs such as paying the wages and petrol, but also for the patient equipment which was lent out to families.

"That is absolutely essential so they can be cared for in their own homes."

She said items such as special electric beds that gave patients a sense of independence and specialised pressure mattresses to keep them comfortable also made it easier to care for patients safely.

"It's similar to having a hospital room at home, we make it possible for patients to leave hospital and go home where they want to be."

Ms Morgan said the competition for the charity dollar was tough and they were always trying to give people the opportunity to donate.

-Those who would like to help should contact Jan Morgan on (07) 343 6591.