Benefactor’s Generous Gift Makes New Hospice Possible

Lake Taupō Hospice Trustees are thrilled to announce their plan to build a new hospice for the Taupō community can proceed thanks to a substantial donation from Taupō businessman and resident Richard Izard.

The new hospice will be known as the Izard Hospice House.

Mr Izard will gift $1.8 million to help build a new hospice on land at County Avenue leased to the hospice by Taupō District Council. The trust has a 33 year lease over the land with a 33 year right of renewal.
Richard Izard made the offer.

Taupō MP Louise Upston says she is absolutely delighted with news that the proposed new hospice can now be built.

“I’m a big supporter of hospice and know that this is an organization that touches so many people in some way,” she said. “Lake Taupō Hospice already has so much support from the community and I’m absolutely delighted the trust has received such a generous donation from Mr Izard.”

Taupō Mayor, David Trewavas, also a strong hospice supporter says the new hospice will be a wonderful asset for the Taupō community.

Taupo Hospice Trust Chairman Maurice Gianotti says he was ‘blown away’ when Richard Izard made the offer.

“It’s difficult to express the overwhelming gratitude we feel on behalf of our community. The new hospice will be a significant benefit to hospice patients and their families and Richard and Patience Izard will long be remembered for their generosity and vision.”

“That said our hospice must continue to raise more than $500,000 to keep operating every year, but Richard Izard’s magnificent gift does mean we can go straight ahead and build a new hospice for the Taupō community without needing to create a separate fundraising programme to achieve it.”

Mr Gianotti says plans to begin the project are well underway and that wherever practical, the hospice trust intends to engage local trades people and suppliers.

Initial plans for the new hospice do not include an inpatient unit, however, the building’s footprint and services will allow for this future development.

Ends

© Scoop Media