Nelson Tasman Hospice’s Manuka Cafe is calling on the community to enjoy a coffee, panini or scone after a walk or cycle in the area.
There are some neat walkways and it’s a good spot for people to stop on their way past if they are cycling, says the hospice head of supporter engagement Donna Ching-Tregidga.
“All the food is produced on-site, and the cafe is operated by an incredible group of volunteers who serve in the front of the house. The food is fantastic.”
Equipment volunteer Frank Griffiths and his wife Glenys popped in after being out and about in Richmond.
Glenys says the food is very nice and Frank, who helps move some of hospice’s 800 pieces of equipment in the community, says “the cheese rolls are amazing”.
Behind the counter, volunteer Marg Gapes works in the cafe on Wednesday and the Richmond shop the rest of the week.
The Richmond Superstore, as well as Nelson, Motueka, and Tākaka, are bustling community hubs and raise $1.5 million out of the $3.5 million shortfall that the hospice specialist palliative care services face every year.
Donna says the idea behind the cafe is to make income to support the service.
“So, it’s important to us from a financial perspective, and it’s important to have the community come to our place.”
The Nelson Tasman Hospice operates with about 400 volunteers in 40 defined roles, including retail, equipment, patient story writing, and fundraising. The vast majority of support is given in people’s own homes with the hospice supporting 240 patients a month.
“We are a hospital. Our education centre will soon be open to the public and now, to have the wider community come in, is really important,” Donna says.
Manuka Cafe is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.
