Hospices across the country have been overwhelmed by the generous support of Farmers stores and customers in the lead up to Christmas. The annual Farmers Christmas Campaign has raised over $905,000 for hospices this year.
Over 15,000 limited edition Christmas baubles were sold, with Farmers donating the full $10 from every purchase. Farmers customers were also able to donate via a ‘Tree of Remembrance’ placed in each store, with 100% of the donations from your local store going to your local hospice.
Wayne Naylor, Te Kahu Pairuri o Aotearoa / Hospice New Zealand Chief Executive says:
“I am once again amazed by the generosity of Farmers customers and the incredible support of Farmers stores and staff in helping to keep hospice care available and free for all those who need it, especially at a time when financial uncertainly is affecting so many people and businesses.
The Farmers Christmas Charity Campaign brings much needed financial support to the hospices in the same community that raised the funds. To know that over $900,000 has been raised through donations and the sale of the special Christmas bauble is just incredible and we are extremely grateful.”
Now in its ninth year, the Farmers Christmas Campaign has raised in full nearly $7M, helping to ensure anyone with a life-limiting illness can access hospice care, so they can live life well until the end.
For the people within the Eastern Bay of Plenty, the donation of $7,005.56 will enable Hospice EBOP to care for those in our community at the most vulnerable part of their life.
Once again Farmers staff have been incredible ambassadors for Hospice EBOP, not only helping to raise funds, but also helping the community to better understand the work we do. The awareness raising that comes from partnering with Farmers is invaluable. The enthusiasm and commitment from all staff and the people of Whakatane and the surrounding area have contributed to this amazing result, thank you so much!
Michael Power, Chief Financial Officer of Farmers says, “At Farmers we are extremely proud of the amount raised during our Christmas hospice campaign through a combined effort and generous donations made by our customers, our staff, and our business. Farmers has been at the heart of New Zealand communities for over 110 years. We are delighted to make a positive difference in our communities through our long-standing relationship with Hospice.
ENDS.
About Hospice
· Each year, New Zealand hospice services provide care and support for more than 19,000 people and their families and carers.
· Hospice is a philosophy of care, not just a building – most people are cared for in their own home.
· Hospice care encompasses the whole person - not just their physical needs, but their emotional, spiritual, and social needs as well. This care extends beyond the person who is unwell to also include their family and whānau. Support is available both before and after a death.
· Irrespective of where a person lives, this philosophy of care does not change, and everything provided is free of charge. It does however cost a lot to provide these services. In 2021, hospice services cost almost $170 million nationally.
· As an essential health service provider, hospice services receive the majority of funding from the Government; but financial support from the community is essential to meet the shortfall – each year hospice services need to fundraise more than $81.5 million nationally.
About Farmers
Farmers is a Kiwi icon, a much loved NZ retailer since 1909. What started as a mail order company quickly grew to become NZ's leading department store renowned for quality, customer service and value for money.
Farmers today is a thriving, modern department store, with a large range of contemporary home and fashion merchandise. Proudly Kiwi owned, Farmers operates in 59 department stores in rural and city locations around the country.
Calien Edmonds, Head of Business Improvement and Ecommerce, Farmers, 021 405 274