Mercy Hospice shows gratitude
GRATEFUL: Pt Chevalier Mercy Hospice Shop manager Helen Brabazone, left, with Mereana Hawthorne, whose mother Judy Falkner was a frequent customer.
Gratitude is a two-way street when it comes to Mercy Hospice
Families of patients who benefited from the hospice's support and care are often grateful for its services.
But the hospice is now saying "thank you" to the customers who visit its shops, which raise much-needed funds to keep its services running.
Pt Chevalier resident Mereana Hawthorne says her mother Judy Faulkner was a huge supporter of the shop before she died of bowel cancer in October, 2012.
"She was a prolific writer of letters, so she'd get her hair done at the salon, pick up her box of stamps, and then always call in here," Ms Hawthorne says.
"But because she was Maori, Mum called it the hokohoko shop, which is pre-loved."
Not only did Judy enjoy sifting through the hokohoko shop to find a bargain, she would donate goods for the shop to sell.
"After the amazing help that Mercy gave her, Mum wanted to give back in some way, shape or form . . . and this was her way," Ms Hawthorne says.
Pt Chevalier Mercy Shop manager Helen Brabazone remembers Judy's "beautiful face".
"She used to come here before she was diagnosed and then when she found out she had cancer she was even more staunch about coming in," Ms Brabazone says.
Though people might not be able to afford to give money to the hospice "donating their old Crown Lynn from the bottom of the cupboard is as good as writing a cheque", she says.
The seven shops in Auckland have a huge role in filling the $3 million funding gap each year.
Money raised enables Mercy Hospice to provide a wide range of free support and care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
The hospice's "Thank You" campaign runs until September 14.
Shoppers who spend $20 or more receive a ticket to go into the draw to win $200 credit to use in the store.
Auckland City Harbour News (September 4, 2013)
Writer and Photo: Danielle Street.