Concert to support work of chaplains

Every year chaplains at Waikato Hospital help nearly 30,000 patients, family and staff through hardship, trauma, loss and coping with all that a loved one's stay at the hospital involves.

So now it's time to thank the chaplains for all they do and raise funds for the ongoing work of chaplains as spiritual and emotional support staff at one of New Zealand's busiest hospitals.

The Waikato Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee Charitable Trust will hold a concert, Hear and Care, on Saturday, August 30 at 7.30pm to raise funds for the ongoing work of the chaplains.

The current chaplaincy team at Waikato Hospital consists of three ecumenical chaplains, one Catholic chaplain, one Maori chaplain and 26 volunteer chaplaincy assistants.

Rev Alistair McBride, chairman of the Waikato Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee Charitable Trust, says hospital chaplains have long played a vital support role in public hospitals throughout New Zealand.

"When faced with hardship, trauma or loss, many people find it difficult to talk to their loved ones, or to cope alone. Hospital chaplains are there to listen and support, regardless of people's religious beliefs. If patients, families or staff need emotional and spiritual support then we provide it."

The Waikato Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee Charitable Trust aims to raise 50 per cent of the chaplains' stipends each year through charitable grants and donations from fundraising events like Hear and Care.

St Paul's Collegiate School's Chapel of Christ the King in Hamilton will host the concert which will feature more than 100 performers from 10 local acts.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for 17 years and under. For tickets phone Louise afternoons/evening on 027 278 3366. Door sales will be available on the night. For more information contact Heather Major on 027 315 6031 or email chaplain@waikatodhb.health.nz.

We have one double pass to give away to a lucky reader. To be in to win, email your name, address and daytime phone number to danielle.nicholson@apn.co.nz by 4pm, Tuesday, August 26. The winner will need to collect the tickets at the door on the night of the concert.