This week, the hospice used funds raised locally to buy the Anaro building on Thames Highway.
Ginny Green, chief executive of the Otago Community Hospice said the purchase came after months of searching for the ‘‘perfect spot’’ to locate all the hospice’s services, as well as its Hospice Shop.
The North Otago funds raised by Lions Clubs, Portside Punch and other events co-ordinated by Sally-Ann Donnelly, a significant bequest from the late Nigel Wilson and many individual donations allowed the outright purchase of the building and would also allow for some modifications to be made to make it fit for purpose, she said.
The project had been a ‘‘incredible’’ example of a community rallying to ensure it retained and developed essential services in its area.
The purchase showed a long-term commitment to the delivery of specialist community based palliative care services to the people of North Otago, she said.
Patients and family would use the hub for a clinic appointment, counselling or support. There would also be a training room for other providers and volunteers.
The new Hospice Shop would be significantly bigger than the existing store and would be able to accept larger items.
The hospice would take possession in July and would spend several months making modifications before opening its doors some time in October, Ms Green said.
