Two years ago, eleven-year-old Myesha Wilson’s life story changed forever when her mother Kat died from cancer. In an art workshop hosted by Waipuna Hospice, Myesha completed a drawing that has been selected as the hero design for 15,000 baubles that are on sale at Farmers stores nationwide for Christmas.

Myseha and her family are proud to remember their mother and help raise funds during hospices largest annual fundraising campaign with Farmers. 100% of the $10 purchase price of the Farmers Christmas Bauble is donated to each store’s closest hospice service, showing Farmers support for local communities right throughout Aotearoa.

Myesha and her older brother Riley became involved with play therapy services at hospice during their Mum’s illness. Their father Craig credits hospice with getting the family through such a difficult time.

During a 2017 art workshop at Waipuna Hospice in Tauranga the children were asked to draw what a kiwi Christmas meant to them. Many drew Christmas Trees, decorations and presents. Amongst the drawings Myesha Wilson, who was then 9 years old, stood out for her picture of a heart. ‘My Kiwi Christmas is a heart because it’s not about presents, it is about spending time with your family’ – said Myesha.

Myesha, Riley and their dad Craig still maintain a close connection with Waipuna, working with the counselling and family support team. This ongoing support is a common part of hospice services as care for family and whanau both before and after the death of their loved one is an important focus.  Hospices aim to help people make the most of their lives; to live every moment in whatever way is important to them.

Many people think of hospice services as just a building, when in fact it is a philosophy of care. Most hospice services in New Zealand have inpatient facilities, but the majority of people are cared for in their own homes. Everything hospice provides to people like Myseha and her family is completely free of charge, the majority of funding comes from the Government but more than $45M is required to meet the annual shortfall.

Hospice supports people of all ages living with a life limiting condition – e.g. heart failure, motor neurone disease, MS or cancer. The unique whole person approach of hospice means physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs are equally important.

Alongside these specially designed baubles each Farmers store will have a Tree of Remembrance. Everyone who donates to this campaign will receive a remembrance card to write a personal message to place on the dedicated remembrance tree instore. This is an opportunity to remember someone special in the lead up to Christmas and support the local hospice services to remain free of charge.

FARMERS CHRISTMAS TREE BAUBLES

On sale exclusively at Farmers, with 100% of the purchase price going to local Hospice’s throughout New Zealand.