Supporters boost funds by $40,000

By donating advertising, working time and an auction, Metro Realty helped raise $40,000 for the Otago Community Hospice at the weekend.

• Chipping in for hospice

The company joined the Otago Polytechnic again this year to help promote the sale of a student-built, charity house, as well as carry out the auction on Saturday.

A good crowd turned out to see it go under the hammer and the auction ended in a $165,000 sale to a couple from Taieri Mouth.

"Considering the market at the moment, there was really good interest and quite a bit of excitement," Metro managing partner Mark Stevens said.

The sale of the house raised $100,000 which was given to Dunedin Rotary South to distribute to various charities including St John and Women's Refuge.

Initially, $20,000 had been earmarked for the hospice, but due to community support through donated goods and services that figure doubled to $40,000.

Mr Stevens was proud of the work his team put towards the sale of the house, including running 11 open homes and the auction itself for no commission.

"We are doing it for the community. Most families, including our team at work, know someone or has a family member who has been involved with the hospice.

"People are in dire needs at that time of their life."

Mr Stevens said the auction was successful because of the businesses that pitched in.

It was hoped $30,000 could be raised in total for charity but because people gave support by donating, or discounting, either their goods or services, costs fell.

Businesses which helped included: Active Furnishers, Aotea Electric, Barry Dell Plumbers, Bedpost, Carpet Court, Dulux, Fisher and Paykel, Fulton Hogan, James Wren and Co, Kitchens for Less, LG, Makeovers, Mico Plumbing, Master Painters (Otago), Philips Lighting, Placemakers, Radio Works Otago, and Schneider Electric.

 

Helping the hospice

There are many different ways you can help the Otago Community Hospice through events and fundraisers in the next two months:

• November 29: the Dunedin South Rotary Club Remembrance Tree will be in the Golden Centre mall, Dunedin, from today until late in December. All funds raised go to the Otago Community Hospice with $123,000 raised since it began in 1994.

• November 30: John Van Buskirk piano recital at Marama Hall, Dunedin. The concert begins at 3pm (not 2pm as previously reported), tickets available at the door, $20 adults, $5 children.

• November 20 to December 19: Dunedin North Rotary Club will be running its Christmas trailer raffle again this year. Keep an eye out for ticket-sellers at Dunedin supermarkets and retail sites. This project raised $25,000 last year for the hospice.
The Butterflies Hospice Shop also welcomes donations of pre-loved clothing or household items. Pick-up of goods can also be arranged. The store, on Hanover St Dunedin, is open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm Saturday.