Tree of Remembrance
As the sun shines for just a little bit longer and a little bit warmer each day, thoughts inevitably turn to summer and the lead up to Christmas. For the families supported by Lake Taupo Hospice, this can be a bittersweet time.
As part of our unique ‘whole person’ approach – giving equal importance to the physical, spiritual, emotional and social needs – making lasting memories is a quintessential part of what we do, it’s about growing connections, sharing stories, concerns and joys.
Our biography service is a way in which many of our patients and their families create lasting memories. Though it can be challenging at times, documenting life stories brings not only the opportunity to record and preserve, but also as we share those stories to laugh, sigh, reflect and feel empowered.
Along with the fun, frivolity and delight that comes with Christmas it is also a time for contemplation, for reminiscing on the past and remembering those who have taken their final journey. To reflect this, each year a unique Christmas tree bauble is commissioned and sold at Farmers stores to raise money to support the work we do at Hospice – including the bereavement and grief support we provide to patient’s families. Alongside these specially designed baubles we also have our Tree of Remembrance, where for a small donation, you can take the opportunity to remember someone special in the lead up to Christmas and write a personal message on a card to hang on the tree.
Hospice Christmas Baubles
Especially designed by New Zealand Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design student Jemma Smith, our Christmas baubles are $10 each and available now from Farmers, Taupō. The Tree of Remembrance will be in the store until 24 December and there will be a community tree at the Taupō Market on the last two Saturdays before Christmas (16 and 23 December).