KINDNESS
KINDNESS:
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › american_english
noun. /ˈkaɪndnəs/ 1[uncountable] the quality of being kind to treat someone with kindness and consideration. [countable] a kind act I can never repay your many kindnesses to me.
The Oxford dictionary definition of KINDNESS does not do justice to the gestures we have recently witnessed at Race4Life. On three occasions lately, we have been privy to some stunning acts of kindness. The thoughtfulness and compassion expressed, have left all involved humbled.
Liam Field gifts his auction prize to patient Loretta Taylor
Early in September, loyal supporter Liam Field from Magnum Hire, won an auction prize for a Fun Day out at the LONG LUNCH. The prize which was for a team of 4, involved a helicopter ride, a sky dive, a choice of 4 luxury race cars to travel in, lunch, golf and dinner. Upon winning this prize, Liam spontaneously offered the package to Loretta Taylor, our guest speaker at the LONG LUNCH. Loretta is a 31 year old mother of two who courageously lives with a brain tumour.
Te Arai Retreat who had offered to provide lunch, could not work in with us on the day chosen. So owners Maryjane and Simon Copland, offered Loretta and husband Mark, dinner for two and accommodation at their gorgeous Retreat in Mangawhai, at another time. The Taylors took the Coplands up on their generous offer and celebrated Loretta’s birthday in late October at the retreat.
Ray Reece displaying the pride of the Welsh
Welsh man, Ray Reese, had one wish, and that was to watch his beloved Wales during the recent Rugby World Cup Tournament. Race4Life managed to organise a TV, along with a World Cup playing jersey. Kate Travers from Southland followed Ray’s story on Facebook and as she was passing a shop in the deep South, she noticed a Welsh Flag. Kate kindly purchased the flag and sent it up to Auckland for Ray.
Ray was a happy man!
Alex Kelsey gave Phil Bourke the time of his life
Infamous for his purpose built “Mad Creation2”, Alex Kelsey appreciates the impact this machine has on many rally car enthusiasts. One of his staunch fans is Phil Bourke, daughter to Race4Life’s loyal supporter, photographer Lisa Cropp.
Just out of hospital, after a very rough week, 67 year old Phil, was treated with a degree of kindness, not often witnessed.
Alex, who lives in Coromandel is not only a talented Rally driver, he also is a competent helicopter pilot. In early November Alex flew from Coromandel to Ardmore to pick up Phil, daughter Lisa, son in law Simon, and Phil’s three grandchildren, Eden, Ruby and Ila, and flew them to his workshop in Coromandel. Lisa ‘s sister Sarah (wife of Simon) and mother Robyn, were on cheerleading duties.
Phil got a complete tour of Alex’s workshop before Alex flew Phil and the crew back home to Auckland, to be in time for the planned premature Family Christmas Party.
How sensational is that!!
All three stories say so much about the very best of humanity!
A message from the General Manager
At every level the Race4Life Trust continues to grow. It would be untrue to say that this has not been an overwhelming experience. The Wish Team have been inundated with wishes from throughout New Zealand, to the point we have had to close off the Wish Service until January 2020. Urgent wishes are being attended to, however all others remain on the waiting list until next year.
I really must take this opportunity to THANK the Wish Team. Alex, Rachel, Rhiannon and Kristen who have done a simply fantastic job, finishing 2019 with over 27 wishes completed in November and early December alone. The addition of Deb Hollier to the Team, has been lifesaving. Deb has introduced systems and methods of efficiency that have streamlined our service. She has plenty more ideas to be implemented in 2020.
Due to the newly acquired research skills of Rhiannon, and the guidance of our darling supporter Dr Alison Booth, we are gathering statistics and data about our service, since its beginnings in 2015. Race4Life has granted nearly 400 wishes over the last 4 years for patients throughout the country. Over the next little while we will continue to share further statistics and trends, and celebrate the milestones reached.
Race4Life had a team of 20 enthusiasts who were training on the roads of Auckland for the Auckland Marathon, for a good few months. The event which took place on Oct 20th, provided an opportunity to again raise funds and awareness plus also, a good excuse for a beer!
Race4Life was out on the road again with the Ultimate Rally Group for the Targa NZ 25th Anniversary. This fun filled affair took drivers from Taupo on Oct 28th, to New Plymouth, Wanganui and finally finished in Palmerston North on November 2nd. The North Island weather was very kind as were the participants of this legendary event. Race4Lfe managed to raise over $36K from this rally alone.
To celebrate Race4Life’s 4 years, we gathered together all those business who work in our building for an evening of Drinks and Nibbles in late September. The local Westpac Bank provided the venue and Donald Webster and wife Penny, who own the building, provided all the gastric delights. It was a lovely occasion and a great excuse to celebrate.
The local Noel Leeming Store asked Race4Life to be their chosen Charity for their annual Friends and Family week promotion, in late October. Most of the team were away at Targa throughout the promotion, however the crew at stores in Newmarket, Queen Street and Takapuna held the banner for us. THANK YOU!
The Patient Xmas Party at St Mark’s Hall in Remuera was a huge success with over 100 attending. We intend to make this an annual event. The venue at St Marks is brilliant and catered well for our most grateful guests. The St Marks staff did all they could to assist us.
Lastly it was an honour to receive the Kiwi Hero Award presented to me on Nov 26th. This Award recognises the work and determination it takes to make a difference in the community. Race4Life has achieved this because of the mighty team of women who daily work passionately, fulfilling the wishes of patients throughout New Zealand. An awesome TEAM!
Do ENJOY THE READ!
Viv
25th Anniversary of TargaNZ
Beginning in Taupo on October 28th, the 25th Anniversary event of Targa NZ got off to a roaring start. Drivers and crew traveled through to New Plymouth and Wanganui and finished in Palmerston North on Saturday November 2nd.
The event lived up to every expectation and was brilliantly run by Peter, Victoria and the rest of the team at Ultimate Rally Group (URG). We at Race 4Life are so thankful for all the support and genuine passion URG have for our beautiful work. We were also deeply touched by the degree of support we received from Drivers and their teams. Race4Life managed to raise over $36K from this event alone.
There are considerable costs for the Trust in transporting, feeding and watering a crew of 10, whilst away on these events. We are so grateful to HUMES who cover all our expenses for Targa events.
How blessed are we!
2019 Photo Gallery
Announcement
Attention!
Just to let you know that New Zealand has got wind of our Wish Service! This of course is good and bad. The good part is that we are facilitating up to 50 wishes at any given time and servicing the end of life wishes for Palliative Care patients throughout New Zealand. The not so good news is that we are a small team. Due to the influx of wishes we are unable to take on anymore wishes this year. The Wish Team will be working until December 19th. The Wish Service will reopen again on January 20th 2020.
We are therefore creating a waiting list. We have encouraged all patients to send in wishes as usual, but with the understanding that we will not be attending to them until January 2020.
Kiwi Local Hero Award
General Manager Viv James received the Kiwi Local Hero Award at a function held at the Viaduct on November 26th. This Award recognises the work and determination it takes to make a difference in the community. The staff at Race4Life rightfully look upon this award as recognition of the hard work and passion of the whole team and collectively we understand what an honour it is to do this beautiful work.
Anthony Ward’s story
“Just a wee note to say thanks so much for all of the work you did for the fantastic trip for Tony to go the Bay of Islands and make it such a memorable experience. We truly had fantastic time away, even though Tony is exhausted and in a wee bit of pain he loved every minute, The weather was our nemesis but it didn’t matter!”
These were the words of Sarah, husband of Tony Ward who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease. Sarah and Tony live with their 10 year old son, Sam, in Christchurch. Number One on Tony’s Bucket List has always been a trip to Northland. However over the years the opportunity to travel to this beautiful part of our country proved elusive.
In no time at all after hearing about the work of the Race4Life Trust, Tony had the Wish Enquiry Form filled out and he was ready to rock and roll! Wish Coordinator Kristen Zaloumis did a splendid job in organising this wish, making sure that the Ward Family experienced the very best of the Bay of Islands.
Rooms at the Sudmia Hotel in Auckland and the Admirals View Lodge and Motel in Paihia took care of all accommodation needs. Whilst in the far North, they ventured on the water with Fullers Great Sights taking in the beauty of the Bay of Islands. The Wards visited the the Waitangi Treaty grounds, Walk on Wheels and the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway.
Eateries in both Auckland and the Bay of Islands looked after their gastric needs with Ripe Deli, The Duke of Marlborough, Paihia Bakery Expresso, Alfresco’s Kitchen and El Café, all generously inviting this most grateful family to be their special guests.
Race4Life are so honoured to work with such amazing host communities throughout NZ and to be privy to such kindness and compassion. Tribute too, must be given to the simply amazing team of Wish Coordinators who in the last month have fulfilled the wishes of nearly 30 patients.
Legendary!
Donate To Our Cause:
The Race4Life Trust is granting wishes for palliative care patients throughout New Zealand,
ensuring that their final wishes are fulfilled. In the process, the Trust is creating cherished memories for patients and their families.
If you would like to donate to the Wish Service, or sponsor an individual wish, please click below.
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