Autoworld Timaru have given the wheel to a good cause.
Hospice South Canterbury general manager Symon Leggett said the organisation felt “very spoiled” to receive a brand new Kia Seltos from Autoworld last week.
Mr Leggett said the Timaru company “believed strongly” in what Hospice did.
Hospice event and marketing manager Kim Rogers said while the organisation had always had a vehicle, sometimes everyone “wanted the car at the same time”.
It would be used for a number of things, including clinical follow up of patients who had been discharged, for fundraising and running events.
Mr Leggett said the signwritten car also worked as advertising for the organisation, as only 50% of the organisation’s funding was covered by the government.
That left a “big gap”.
The organisation was “really dependant on support from the community, and hugely thankful” for that support, he said.
Last year’s Caroline Bay Rock & Hop raised $177,000, which was only a “drop in the bucket” as $1.9 million to $2m was needed.
There were many ways people could contribute, he said.
“Every little bit matters and it all adds up.”
Hospice Heroes allowed people to pay a small amount every week permanently, there was the option to leave a bequest in their will or they could shop at one of the organisation’s two op shops.
Ms Rogers said becoming a volunteer let them give in a different way
Mr Legget said the organisation had a holistic view of supporting everyone.
And in the case of a death, bereavement support was offered to the family following the loss.
“The community can see that the money stays in the community.”
