Thursday 15 May 2014

Hotere artworks to help Otago Community Hospice to raise $1.6m

It’s Hospice Awareness Week (12-18 May) and with referrals at an all-time high, the Otago Community Hospice is looking to raise $1.6m through their annual fundraising activity including an art auction with two Ralph Hotere pieces of art.

There are now more than 200 patients on the Hospice programme, says chief executive officer, Ginny Green.

“I’ve been at the Hospice for 7 ½ years and in that time we’ve never had more than 200 patients on the programme. We can only attribute this to a greater awareness in the community—among patients, families and also referrers—of the value of hospice services.”

As part of fundraising activity for the week, the Hospice is hosting a public art auction on Thursday 15 May, between 5-7pm (free entry) at the Dunedin Art School Gallery at 19 Riego Street (off Albany Street).

Works of art include two pieces by Ralph Hotere, an original painting Gloria in Excelsis Deo valued at $20,000 and a lithograph valued at approximately $4,500. Both pieces were donated by Mike Bird from his private collection. Ten pieces in total will be auctioned including pieces by Suzanne Platt, P.Smith, Sheryl McCammon, Jan Ingram, Sue McLean and Dalene Meiring. Attendees will also be able to view an exhibit by Oamaru artist, Sue McLean, titled Echoes, who prior to the auction will discuss how her art helped her to cope with grief and loss. Phone bidding for the auction is available by registering interest with the Hospice on 03 473 6005.

The Hospice is also running a series of Hospice Cuppas and is encouraging groups (businesses, friends and school groups) to run their own Hospice Cuppa and donate the money they would have spent at a cafe to the Otago Community Hospice. Groups will receive a free pack containing sponsored tea from Dilmah and fresh plunger coffee from Caffé L’Affare.

The annual street appeal day will take place this Friday, 16 May with the support of nearly 200 volunteers taking to the streets around Otago and at the Otago Farmers Market on Saturday 17 May, to collect donations on behalf of the Hospice.

In addition to raising funds, the week is also about raising awareness of hospice services and the issues surrounding death, such as what matters at the end of life.
“The philosophy of Hospice focuses on living every moment in whatever way is important. Beginning conversations about what really matters helps us to figure out what we want at the end of our life, but it also helps us to figure out what really matters right now—and that helps us to live every moment right now,” says Green.

Hospice services are free, so the public are encouraged if they are able, to please make a donation. Every bit helps!! The public can also donate directly, via the Hospice website: www.otagohospice.co.nz

For any enquiries regarding Hospice Awareness Week, please phone 03 473 6005.
Images of the artwork can be viewed online https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.718598501530388.1073741841.112089595514618&type=1

ENDS

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