The memorial fund was founded in 1917 by the Otago Trained Nurses Association as a practical memorial to the 10 New Zealand nurses who drowned when the SS Marquette was torpedoed in the Aegean Sea in October 1915.
Money was raised throughout the country to establish a benevolent fund to give assistance to nurses who through sickness or old age were unable to pursue their nursing careers.
Nurses from all over New Zealand are entitled to request an application form to apply for financial aid.
To celebrate the centenary, a noon lunch will be held at the Otago Golf Club on July 27.
Lunch will be followed by an address about the SS Marquette by local historian Ron Palenski. All nurses are welcome to attend.
The 100th annual meeting will follow the cutting of the celebration cake.
The memorial fund is a registered charity and incorporated society.
• To contribute to the fund, book a seat at the lunch or to apply for assistance, contact the steward Valerie Steele on (03) 455-7380 or write to NZNMF, PO Box 5363, Moray Pl, Dunedin 9058.
