Hospice brightens Christmas festivities

Sarah Pavadai (left) with her sister Jane

If you believe that Christmas is a time to give, share love and gifts, do something for the poor, and remember the deceased, you should then participate in a special project to be launched by Hospice West Auckland this weekend.

You should also visit shopping malls at West City, Westgate, New Lynn, Kelston and other centres where the Annual Christmas Remembrance Trees (STARS) will be visible.

Called, ‘Light up Hospice for Christmas,’ the project will begin on December 7 and run until Christmas Eve to provide a chance for people to care and give.

West Auckland Hospice Communications and Marketing Advisor Amy Wong said that in addition to the shopping malls, a number of retail outlets including Mega Mitre 10 (Lincoln Road, Henderson), Helensville Unichem, ASB Bank (outside at Te Atatu Peninsula) will also participate in the project.

“West Wave, PSIS and local markets at Titirangi and Coatesville are among the other participants. Christmas Parades will be held at Te Atatu, Helensville, Kumeu and Henderson,

“Shoppers can write a message on a silver or golden star decoration to remember a loved one, hang it on the Christmas tree, and make a donation to Hospice,” she said.

“Fans of Outrageous Fortune (a new play about Aotearoa) will have an opportunity of winning a great prize.

Donations of $10 or more will go in the draw to win a walk-on part with a friend in the next series,” Ms Wong said.

The Hospice Christmas project has evinced the interest of West Auckland resident Sarah Pavadai, who has been involved as a volunteer.

“I want to help because I like the idea of remembering my family at a special time. My sister Jane and I have been associated with the Christmas Stars appeal for more than three years,” she said.

The University of Auckland student said people were happy when they wrote a message to someone they love during Christmas.

The festive launch 

Festivities will begin on December 6 with the illumination of Hospice West Auckland (52 Beach Road, Te Atatu Peninsula).

Waitakere-based Master of Ceremonies and entertainer Greg Ward will be the centre of attraction during an entertainment programme.

Ms Wang said the performers will include the Waitakere Brass Brand, the E-Pacs Team   and the Rangeview Intermediate Kapa Haka Group.

“In true community spirit, Light up Hospice for Christmas offers something special for everyone. Face-painters, dressed in fairy gowns will give children a colourful makeover. They will also have the opportunity to meet Santa,” she said. 

Hospice West Auckland provides free round-the-clock, specialist palliative care, with a focus on relieving physical pain and emotional and spiritual concerns of patients, care givers and their families, so that they experience end of life as fully as possible.

The not-for-profit organisation serves a diverse population of 220,000 throughout greater West Auckland, to the west coast beaches, Kumeu and Helensville, and up to the South Kaipara Heads.