For immediate release
A special Valerie Vili rose to mark the launch of Hospice campaign
MANUKAU: 4 July 2009: Turning the soil to plant a brand new golden-yellow rose named in her honour, reigning Olympic
champion Valerie Vili today launched a special campaign to help Hospice South Auckland continue to deliver a very high
standard of care to approximately 700 patients and families in its area each year.
With a special commitment to the Hospice dating from when her mother was cared for there in 2000, Valerie Vili said she
was delighted to announce the launch of the “Helping Valerie Help the Hospice” campaign. The campaign will focus on a
new Valeria Vili Rose Garden being developed in the Hospice’s extensive grounds, of which the new rose will be the first
step.
Hospice supporters will be able to “buy” a paver, retaining blocks and seating at the new garden as it is developed and
fully takes shape. The donation of a paver at $100 will support the community palliative nursing service, whilst the
donation of a retaining block at $500 supports the In-patient service.
Len Brown, the Mayor of Manukau, and Calum Penrose, the Mayor of Papakura, joined Hospice supporters at the new garden
site to help celebrate the launch of the campaign. Brooke Howard-Smith supported the launch of this campaign as MC for
the event.
“It really is an honour to be able to launch this campaign, because I know first-hand just what an important job this
hospice does in helping patients and their families at a very difficult time,” Valerie Vili said.
“This place and the people who work here are special. I am really delighted to be able to contribute to their work, and
I urge as many people as possible to get in behind this campaign. I think this is a great way to help support an
organisation that has become such an important part of our community,” she said.
Valerie said the garden concept was also important to her as she had always been glad of being able to spend occasional
quiet time in the Hospice surrounds when she has been there with her mother.
The new rose by Matthews Nurseries called after our Ambassador ‘Valerie Vili’ will be available for purchase by the
public at a future date. Matthews Nurseries is pleased to be associated with such a good cause. Bred by Bob Matthews,
this beautiful, bright yellow rose “will add a gold medal to the Valerie Vili Rose Garden.” The new garden has been
designed by local landscaper Susan Warrington.
Welcoming the campaign, Yvonne Wright, Business Manager for the Hospice, said the Hospice hugely appreciated Valerie’s
support and her commitment to the Hospice since becoming its first Hospice Ambassador earlier this year.
“With this project we will not only raise much needed funds but can invite people to participate in the creation of a
special new garden. This will be a thing of beauty in itself as well as showing just how much support the Hospice draws
on from its community, “she said.
She said the Hospice provides care to approximately 700 patients and families in South Auckland every year. Funding from
the District Health Board has recently increased to 70% however the Hospice must still raise over $2 million every year
maintain what is widely regarded as a very high standard of care.
Early supporters of the campaign:
Manurewa resident Belinda Murtagh has purchased the first paver in honour of her late friend Ann Davidson who passed
away two years ago. “The loving care Ann received during her short stay at the Hospice touched me. This is a tangible
way in which I can give something back and honour Ann's memory,” Belinda says.
Hawkins Construction have proudly purchased the first block. “When we built this hospice we made a lot of very good
friends and it is an honour to support them in the vital care that they give to so many in the community,” says Don
Young, Hawkins Construction Auckland Regional Manager.
Firth Marketing Services Manager Anita Boundy says: “Firth have donated several pallets of Holland pavers, we are very
happy to support the South Auckland Hospice as it is such a worthy cause.”
People who want to support the campaign can do so by contacting the hospice at www.hospice.co.nz or phoning 640 0025.
Sponsors for the garden and campaign include Matthews Nurseries, Firth Industries, Susan Warrington-Landscape Designer
and Copy & Print Document Centre.
Ends