Kia ora,
I’m reaching out on behalf of Nelson Tasman Hospice about our biennial Hands Up for Hospice campaign, running from 1–31 May 2026. This special month brings our community together to support specialist palliative care services that are provided free of charge to around 210 patients and their whānau across the Nelson Tasman region every month. While our care is free to families, as a local charity, we need to raise $12,300 every day to bridge our funding gap.
In 2024, individuals, community groups and local organisations raised more than $126,000 for hospice – a wonderful show of community spirit that made a real difference for local families facing life-limiting illness.
This year, as an important community organisation, we would love to work with you, to engage with your community. One in three of us will need Nelson Tasman Hospice care at some point, yet many people don’t learn about the service until they need it. Engaging with Nelson Tasman Hospice helps ensure your members are informed about the support available locally and what care can look like for themselves or their whānau.
Below are some options available:
1. Invite Us to Speak
During May, we’re offering to visit community groups and organisations to share more about hospice care, the impact of community support, and how your members can be involved. We’d be delighted to come and present to your group at a time that suits you. If May doesn’t suit, we would happily come along at any time that suits you.
2. Attend Our Open Days – Wednesday 6th May or Saturday 23rd May
We’ll be hosting special Open Days during May, offering a chance to look behind the scenes, meet our team, and learn more about how hospice supports people in our region. We’d warmly welcome your members to attend.
The open days run 10am – 12pm or 11am – 1pm and include:
- A welcome and introduction to hospice care
- Guided inpatient unit tour (small groups)
- Gardens walk and talk
- Morning tea and team showcase in the Cicely Saunders area
- The morning tea crossover will have a “mini expo” feel, where visitors can connect with different parts of Hospice and learn more about what we do
Numbers are limited; registrations are essential via this link: Hands Up for Hospice Open Days 2026 – Registration – Nelson Tasman Hospice
3. Fundraise in a Way That Suits You
Whether it’s a morning tea, quiz night, collection, raffle, themed event, or something uniquely your own, every effort helps. We can provide promotional materials, fundraising ideas, and support to make it easy and enjoyable for your group.
3. Attend a Public Event throughout May
We have a variety of events happening throughout May to support Hands Up for Hospice. Whether it’s a Fashion Show, Quiz Night, Craft Market or our Heave for Hospice – we’ve got something for everyone. Have a look at our upcoming events here: Host for Hospice.
Please download a PDF poster here for the Fashion Show for you to share with your members, if possible, as tickets are on sale now and it’s going to be a wonderful evening including a complimentary drink on arrival, plus access to a mini market showcasing amazing local businesses supporting Hospice this May.
Hands Up for Hospice is all about community – people coming together to ensure hospice care remains available for everyone who needs it, now and into the future.
If you’d be interested in hosting a presentation, attending an Open Day, or organising a fundraiser, I’d love to hear from you and explore what might work best for your group.
Thank you for considering being part of Hands Up for Hospice 2026. Your support helps us continue to care for our community when it matters most.
Ngā mihi nui,
Ana Fierek (she/her)
Marketing & Engagement Manager
NELSON TASMAN HOSPICE
