Dunedin and Oamaru Farmers raise $40,000 for Otago Community Hospice

Farmers annual hospice campaign in Otago has raised a record $40,124 for Otago Community Hospice services.

As part of a nation-wide campaign, In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Caring Connections in our Community event gives Farmers’ customers the opportunity to remember someone special to them, and to make a donation or buy a limited-edition bauble in support of the work of hospice.

The nation-wide campaign made a record-breaking total of $768,162.

100% of all funds donated in each store remain in the local community, helping to ensure that hospice care remains free of charge for people with life-limiting conditions, their families and whānau.

CEO of Otago Community Hospice, Ginny Green says Oamaru and Dunedin Farmers’ staff have always been incredible supporters of the hospice.

“We are exceptionally grateful for their year-on-year support. It is a significant chunk of money, and we can’t thank the teams at Farmers enough for the way they embrace the campaign and help us build awareness of our Otago Hospice.”

Mary Schumacher, Chief Executive of Hospice NZ, says, “Our heart-felt thanks to everyone who contributed to this extraordinary result. The funds raised will make a real difference for people using hospice services throughout New Zealand. It’s humbling to see the way people come together for this event to remember their loved ones and to ensure their community’s hospice service remains free of charge. We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Farmers for being such wonderful ambassadors for hospice, and to their customers for their generosity and kindness.”

Michael Power, acting Chief Executive of Farmers and Chief Financial Officer says, “The delivery of a national store-wide approach to our charity campaigns helps build a meaningful opportunity to connect with the community, as our staff work in unison toward a common goal. At Farmers we are extremely proud of the amount raised during our Christmas hospice campaign through a combined effort and generous donations made by our customers, our staff and our business. It’s heart-warming to know the positive difference it will make in our communities.”