The End of an Era

Gitty started work Managing the Alexandra Hospice Shop from its opening day 10 Years ago. We opened in a small shop on Centennial Ave and were there for five years before moving to the much larger premises we now occupy in Ennis Street.

Gitty has been an incredible Ambassador for OCH in the Alexandra community. Thoughtful and empathetic, she has always extended a warm welcome to all that come through the doors of the shop. This kindness extends to the shop volunteers, staff, donors and of course customers.

Gitty has a heightened awareness of people who are dealing with grief and has shown much compassion, particularly to donors who may have been affected by a family member being on our service.

Along side, this Gitty has an incredible work ethic and ability to multi task. The Alexandra Hospice Shop is a credit to Gitty and her team. It is thriving and growing year on year, with massive support from locals and people holidaying in the region, as well as tourists passing through on their way to the Southern Lakes and West Coast.

The Alexandra Hospice Shop raised $168 000.00 profit last financial year, which has helped fund our services in Central Otago. This is an amazing result in tough economic times.

This big jump in earnings has come with a big jump in work load for staff and volunteers, which they have managed with a smile...and grit and sweat and hopefully not too many tears.

I have really appreciated Gitty's incredible work ethic, management and admin skills, reliability, honesty and good vibes. Always one to put her hand up to help out, Gitty you have been a shining star. ⭐️

Another huge contribution Gitty has made is with the Sewing Angels Group she started back when the shop opened. The proceeds from this group over the last 10 years would be close to $100, 000.00. There is the beautiful knitting and the 1000s of baby socks Gitty has knitted and put through the shop. Then there is the up cycling of discarded clothing into fun children's clothes, dog toys and fabulous sewing kits. (See this old OCHeye story to learn more about the Angels' work https://hail.to/otago-community-hospice/article/mal2GxD )

Although Gitty has never sought recognition, something tells me she is the MAIN Angel of this group. The joy this brings to our customers is obvious when they score a pair of beautiful hand knitted socks for $5.

We will all miss Gitty and her positive, caring energy. We are having a combined end of year Volunteer Celebration, Gitty's farewell and celebrating ten years of the Alexandra Hospice Shop on the 10th of December. We are looking forward to this!!

Gitty retires on the 31st of December so if you are up that way pop in and say Kia ora!