Shooting Star

From now until Christmas Eve everyone who makes a donation in Farmers receives a remembrance card to write a message and place on the Christmas Tree of Remembrance in store or shoppers can purchase the original campaign Xmas bauble, which often sells out.

This is the ninth year that Dunedin and Oamaru Farmers have supported Otago Community Hospice in the lead up to Christmas, with customers donating more than $210,000 over the nine years, all of which has gone directly to patient services in the Otago region.

Given the complications that Covid has wrecked on the health sector, CEO Ginny Green urges Farmers shoppers to donate to help the Hospice reach its new annual target of $3 million.

“There are two ways Farmers customers can support us; by donating to the Christmas Tree of Remembrance in the stores, or by purchasing the gorgeous shooting star-inspired hospice bauble.

Tina Parata, Kaiwhakahaere at Hospice New Zealand says the stars on this bauble are poignant.

“This is Aotearoa’s first year celebrating Matariki, a time when we remember and celebrate those who are no longer with us. So for me, the stars on this bauble represent our loved ones who have died, lighting up our skies with love and warmth. The mini stars inside, represent all our tupuna, who are watching over us, supporting us and guiding us into the future.”

Each bauble is $10 and thanks to the generous support of Farmers, the full $10 from every purchase in Oamaru and Dunedin will be donated to Otago Community Hospice.

Ms Greens says 100% of everything donated to the Oamaru and Dunedin stores directly supports Otago Hospice’s work, ensuring services remain free of charge in the Otago region.