(Marlborough, 29 November 2024)
On Saturday, 16 November, Hospice Marlborough proudly marked 21 years of providing compassionate, specialist palliative care to the Marlborough community with a heartfelt celebration at Chateau Marlborough’s Quench Restaurant.
The milestone event brought together current and former staff, board members, and supporters to honour the extraordinary people who have shaped Hospice Marlborough into the cornerstone of care it is today.
Celebrations opened with a warm welcome and Karakia from Leigh Somerville, Events & Engagement Lead, who also reflected on the significance of Hospice Marlborough’s service and the dedication of its people. Leigh was followed by speeches from Louise McKenzie, Chair of the Marlborough Hospice Trust Board, and Carole Crawford, CEO of Hospice Marlborough.
Highlighting the organisation’s remarkable growth over recent years, Louise McKenzie shared that between 2016/17 to 2024:
- The number of patients supported annually has increased by 44%.
- Families supported in the community have grown by 32%.
- Family and bereavement support services have seen a 39% increase.
“Our growth has been significant, but we could not have achieved this without the dedication of our team,” Louise said, thanking past and present staff, with special recognition for long-serving staff Dr Andrew Wilson, Kerri Hale and Jo Hendrickson, who also celebrated 21 years of service alongside Hospice Marlborough.
Guests enjoyed live music from local musician Little T, a revolving photo gallery of memories, and a photo wall for capturing commemorative moments. Canapés, sweet treats, and fine wines donated by local wineries Hunter’s Wines and Lawson’s Dry Hills, along with a stunning fromagerie kindly donated by ViaVio and Cranky Goat Cheeses, and delectable cupcakes by Sweet Creations added to the day’s festivities.
The event also acknowledged the invaluable support of BNI Blenheim Originals, part of the global networking group BNI, where Hospice is the chosen charity partner across New Zealand. They generously sponsored the balloon garland lovingly created by Balloon Creations Made with Love and photo wall. Special thanks also go to the dedicated team at Carmore Chateau Marlborough and Quench Restaurant for hosting the celebration and for their long-standing relationship with Hospice, which includes preparing meals for our patients.
Hospice Marlborough is deeply grateful to everyone who has supported its mission over the years, ensuring people in our community receive compassionate care during life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re a former or present staff member, a board member, or a valued volunteer or supporter, your generosity and dedication has shaped this organisation into what it is today. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary difference you have made.
Here’s to many more years of delivering high quality palliative care services and creating impact where we can across Marlborough.
For more information about Hospice Marlborough and its services, please visit our website hospicemarlborough.org.nz