BNI Nelson recently hosted a big breakfast event for its members from the Nelson and Marlborough areas, members of the public from organisations that are great advocates for Hospice and members from the Nelson Tasman Region Hospice Trust. The event, which had over 70 people attending, was an opportunity for local businesspeople to meet representatives of the Trust and get a deeper understanding of what they are doing in terms of fundraising.
Elspeth Kennedy, Chair of Nelson Tasman Region Hospice Trust Marketing & Fundraising Board, says it is their intention in the future to consider building a new hospice. “The breakfast was an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding support BNI have given to hospice over many years and asked for initiatives on how to fundraise for upcoming projects,” Elspeth says. “BNI members have worked quietly behind the scenes for hospice and it was about time people knew about how hard they worked. The event celebrated the relationship between BNI and hospice and their value of “Givers Gain” which we share.”
Stephanie Millar, BNI Director Consultant – Nelson/Marlborough says during the breakfast speakers from BNI and hospice spoke about the importance of businesses doing good in the community. “Aldo Miccio and Elspeth Kennedy from the Trust spoke about the cost of running the Nelson Tasman Region Hospice and how our members have and could in the future help them out with fundraising.”
Frans Dellebeke, CEO of Nelson Tasman Region Hospice Trust, agrees with Elspeth that BNI Nelson has done a fantastic job over the last few years to support hospice through a range of initiatives. “Members from there have redeveloped our website at no cost,” says Frans, “and just having contact with different areas of business expertise through the group is great.”
Frans says that the breakfast gave staff from hospice the opportunity to educate and inform people about how the organisation actually operates. “The regional Hospice covers an area from French Pass to Golden Bay,” Frans says, “so it’s a big operation that could not function without community support and volunteers.”
Stephanie issued a challenge to members to buy something from the Hospice Shops to wear at the breakfast and through member’s generosity $700 was raised on the day. Members turned up in second hand clothes and even a fuzzy hat!
