The Upper Clutha Hospice Trust (UCHT) says strong trading at its shop and warehouse in Wānaka is providing vital support for its palliative and respite services in the Upper Clutha.

Trust chairperson Russell McGeorge said despite Covid-19 constraints, the turnover at the shops has been maintained so far this year and the donations of goods coming into the shop has been strong.

“The shops continue to trade well thanks to the efforts of retail manager Jill Milward and her superb team,” he said.

“We greatly appreciate the strong community support which we enjoy.”

The trust provides a suite at Aspiring Enliven Care Centre to support those who need full-time palliative or respite care, as well as funding Kath Bond, an experienced palliative district nurse, who assists families manage their terminally ill family members at home.

“Patients are tending to make the decision to want to stay at home rather than the care suite and that is where Kath comes in,” Russell said.

The trust recently sponsored Kath’s attendance at a lymphedema (swelling of the legs) treatment course, making this service accessible for those who need it in the Upper Clutha.

The UCHT provides facilities and support for the terminally ill that is not provided by other parties in the Upper Clutha. Working alongside the Otago Community Hospice, the Cancer Society, and aged care providers it adds to what is available to Upper Clutha residents.

The Hospice Shop is located at 11A Brownston Street, Wānaka, and sells used household goods and clothing. The shop is open six days a week, 10:00am to 5:00pm weekdays, and 10:00am to 1:00pm on Saturdays.

The Hospice Shop’s operations are supported by a Warehouse located at 9A Gordon Rd, Wanaka, where donated stock is received, sorted, cleaned as necessary, graded and priced for sale.

To find out more about the Upper Clutha Hospice Trust see their website here.

PHOTO: Supplied