Recently I participated in a fantastic event celebrating the lives of those who are no longer with us while raising money for a great cause – the Sunrise Walk for Totara Hospice.
From left to right: Matt Church, Steven Mansfield, Lloyd Earwaker, Katrina Church, Alex Olsen
I am a longtime and committed chapter member of BNI Parnell in Auckland. Actually, I helped set up the BNI Parnell chapter 15 years ago. I was also the founding President of the chapter and am proud to say on our first Visitors’ Day many years ago we had 76 people come along (a record at that time!).
We frequently practice Givers Gain at BNI Parnell, raising money for important causes like Totara Hospice South Auckland. Three months ago we had an auction with $5,000 being donated (my business Insurance People added another $1,000 to this total).
We focus on Totara Hospice in South Auckland because it is located in a lower socio-economic area and consequently is in higher need. Our chapter was introduced to the Hospice by a former member, an events organiser, who had a personal connection to Totara.
Totara Hospice has been meeting palliative care needs of the South and the South East Auckland community now for 32 years. It’s able to provide free of charge care and support for families/whanau of any person living with a life limiting illness in the community but only through the support of groups like BNI Parnell.
My business, Insurance People, shares BNI’s values of giving back to the community. As insurance brokers we provide insurance solutions to ensure there are funds when nasty events happen and similarly Totara Hospice cares for people at the end of their life. Because of this relationship it was a no-brainer for my team to get involved with the Sunrise Walk for Hospice to raise money and support those going through the grief of losing a loved one.
The Sunrise Walk is all about celebrating life and remembering those we love. I first got involved 3 years ago as a volunteer. Family, friends, colleagues and the hospice community joined together to pay tribute to those who are no longer here with us. The Sunrise Walk kicked off at the picturesque Botanic Gardens in Manurewa, Auckland, from 8.00am on Sunday 3rd April 2016.
Joining me at the event supporting the Hospice were Matt Church (my husband), Steven Mansfield, Debbie Stacey, Michelle Moorcroft, Lloyd Earwaker (also a BNI member) and Alex Olsen (who all work with me). On the day we ran a stand providing information about Totara Hospice and their goal of raising money to build a home in the vicinity of Totara to support family members of those in the Hospice. Insurance People were also the sponsor for a VIP lounge and funded breakfast for these walkers.
Insurance People is looking to raise more than $50,000 to build the new home facility, which will be a fantastic support for family members who are going through the difficult process of supporting a loved one in their final days. They will be able to stay on site rather than sleep at home and have cooking facilities.
All in all, it was a beautiful, peaceful day for everybody involved and I’m so happy that my team and I were able to participate. We won’t soon forget the occasion.
Katrina Church, BNI Parnell, Director at Insurance People
