A Refreshing Business Idea

The words "Hospice" and "cuppa" go hand-in-hand. The simplest of tasks, it can make all the difference for someone in need of comfort or looking for a little bit of ordinary in a less-than-ordinary day.

This "culture of care" was something that Karen Withers picked up on straight away, when she dropped off census papers to Mercy Hospice Auckland.

Karen admits that she knew very little about Mercy Hospice before she popped in. Mercy Hospice provides free palliative care for people facing life-limiting illnesses living in the Auckland District Health Board area.

"What struck me first were the immaculate gardens. I knew this was a very special place," she says.

Owner of a local property management company and a member of BNI (Business Network International), Karen was inspired to make sure her local Ponsonby BNI Chapter got behind Mercy’s work. BNI have supported Hospice throughout New Zealand for the past six years and have raised over half a million dollars throughout the country.

"We think holding an open-invitation Hospice Cuppa at Mercy Hospice will be a fun way to promote Mercy’s great work and to fundraise at the same time," Karen says, "We also see it as a great way to meet others and network with like-minded individuals."

Karen has been busy pounding the pavements, dropping off posters to local businesses, schools and community centres. Karen loves baking and her team will be whipping up lots of delicious treats for the morning tea. "All I can tell you is that there will be chocolate brownies and slices," she says, "You’ll just have to come to find out more!"

BNI Hospice Cuppa Event will be held 10.30AM-11.30AM, Friday 17 May at Mercy Hospice Auckland, 61 College Hill, Ponsonby. If you would like to attend contact Karen on 360-4506 or email karen.withers@nexuspm.co.nz.

If you would like to hold your own Mercy Hospice Auckland Cuppa event visit www.hospicecuppa.co.nz or phone 361-5966 to sign up for your free pack.

Ponsonby News (May 2013)

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