Nelson Tasman Hospice has officially opened a new Donation & Distribution Centre in Stoke, providing a dedicated base for receiving, sorting and distributing donated goods across its retail network.
The facility at 1 Kotua Place, Wakatu Estate has been developed to support the Hospice’s five-shop operation, helping improve the flow of donated items while creating a purpose-built space for volunteers.
More than 300 volunteers support hospice’s retail operation across the region, with more than 440 volunteers contributing across the wider organisation.
Nelson Tasman Hospice volunteer programme manager Fiona Summerfield says the new centre demonstrates what can be achieved when volunteers, staff and the wider community work towards a shared goal.
“Our volunteers are an incredibly important part of everything we do at Hospice. They bring their time, skills, knowledge, and commitment to new initiatives like the Donation Centre. They also provide the ongoing support for our retail network and across many aspects of the hospice service.
“The Donation Centre is a great example of what can be achieved when our volunteers, colleagues and community come together with a shared purpose. This celebration is an opportunity to recognise the contribution our volunteers make, not only to our shops, but to the long-term sustainability of free specialist palliative care across our region.”
For Nelson Tasman Hospice, the centre represents an investment not only in its retail operation but also in the volunteers who help generate vital income for hospice services across the region.
The organisation also hopes the facility will encourage more people to consider volunteering.
“Volunteering is an important part of the fabric of Hospice,” Fiona says.
“Whether someone has a few hours a week, a particular skill they can share, or simply wants to meet people and be part of something meaningful, there are many ways to get involved. We would love this celebration to inspire more people to discover the difference they can make.”
If you’d like to volunteer with hospice you can email volunteers@nelsonhospice.org.nz
