Let's Hear It For Hospice!
If socialising on a luxury launch sounds like your cup of tea then Mercy Hospice is providing the opportunity.
For the hospice's annual appeal it is asking people to host a Hospice Cuppa and people who do are being invited aboard the 105-foot ship Pacific Mermaid for a special treat.
To hold a Hospice Cuppa event people can simply ask guests to join them for a tea party-style gathering, bringing with them a donation that goes to the hospice.
There is a free Hospice Cuppa pack available, including tea, coffee, recipes, invitations and a donation box.
The Mercy Hospice is hoping that 100 supporters will sign up to host a cuppa this month.
People who hold an event will be invited to join a Hospice Cuppa Celebration aboard the mahogany-lined Pacific Mermaid for a choice of morning tea, afternoon tea or evening cocktails.
The ship will be moored at Orakei Marina.
Pacific Mermaid was built 17 years ago by Ken and Bente Winter, who say donating the ship as a venue is one way they can help "a fantastic charity".
Mrs Winter says last year when her sister-in-law was terminally ill the hospice provided "tremendous" care to make her and the family comfortable.
"It's a time when you need that kind of support that the hospice gives," she says.
Mercy Hospice is aiming to raise $200,000 to help cover the costs of running a 13-bed in-patient unit.
Spokeswoman Sandy McGregor says it receives partial funding for medical costs but needs to raise about $2.8 million a year to meet the shortfall for all the other services it provides.
Ms McCaughan says it is amazing that the Winters are offering their ship and are rallying their friends to bake for the day's events.
"We really appreciate how much the community gets around us and supports us so we really like to hold functions to not only thank them but to also raise money," she says.
Mercy Hospice Appeal Week runs from May 13 to 19.
There are limited places available for the Hospice Cuppa Celebrations aboard the Pacific Mermaid on May 16.
To be eligible, register to host a cuppa by May 7.
Visit www.hospicecuppa.co.nz or phone 361 5966 for more information on hosting a Hospice Cuppa.
Central Leader, Auckland City Harbour News, East & Bays Courier (May 1, 2013)
Writer: Danielle Street. Photo: Jason Oxenham.