Dressing up to support health

Southlanders like Lobb Optical staff (from left) Renee Blake, Debbie Tynan, Ali La-Rosa Berryman, Julie Henderson and Noelle Wallace donned red, black and white — Blair Vining’s Midland Rugby Club colours — in support for Southland Charity Hospital’s annual street appeal fundraiser across the Southland region yesterday.

Southland Charity Hospital general manager Jim Hurring said a group of loyal volunteers hit Southland streets to help with the appeal.

He was impressed with the number of repeat volunteers who had rugged up against the cold and lent their support for the appeal day. He said they were "fortunate" the weather was not like the last two "extremely unpleasant" days.

"There’s been tremendous support from them again this year."

The new hospital was nearing completion with the floors expected to be finished by next week.

But, once operational, it would still need the support from the province to meet operational expenses, consumables and equipment which still needed to be bought.

By Toni McDonald