Opening Doors Blog
22 February 2009
Introducing lunch on a Wednesday has really changed the dynamics of the day. Last Wednesday we officially launched Lunch on a Wednesday with a fabulous BBQ. The fabulous Toni roped in all her family and provided a truly scrumptious BBQ lunch. The patients were treated to cooked ham, roasted veggies, fresh green salad and fresh bread rolls. What a feast! The day was perfect, as was the food and company. The meal was complimented with a choice of red or white wine. The occasion was enjoyed immensely by all concerned. Thank you Toni. You are a gem!!
This week we have the welcome return of the House of Camille Students. We have quite a pampering day planned with 8 students coming in all, to practice their newly learnt skills. Toni B will join us and using her Nutrimetic products and will treat those interested to a make-over. It is truly fabulous to have these wonderful volunteers donate their time and expertise on such a regular basis. Diane Cochrane, to mention one, will be away for 3 months having enrolled in a course. Up till now, Diane has come every week (and often twice a week) to cut patients hair. We will really miss Diane when she is away. Lynda from Number 18 is sending along two hair-stylists this week to help us out.
It is interesting to note that numbers on a Wednesday and Tuesday have been similar since we started up again this year. It has always been a concern that Tuesday was top heavy, and that Wednesday had room for growth, It would seem that the introduction of lunch on a Wednesday has made a significant difference. Plus of course the persuasive powers of Heather...
We are very thankful to Hammerheads and Cin Cin, two restuarants that donated meals to our patients at Opening Doors for their respective birthday celebrations. And a big thank you to Marie, our new Fundraising staff member, who managed to get 40 tickets to the Top Gear Show on Friday. All the tickets were used and at least 30 of these went to patients in the Opening Doors programme. Thanks Marie.
Until next time, Viv
11 February 2009
Another year begins.It was so good to see all of the familiar faces. It is wonderful to see how everyone enjoyed catching up with each other after a 5 week break. We began with a BBQ on Tuesday to celebrate Alex's 30 years and Rangi's 67. It was a glorious day and celebrated in great style.
At the very point we sat down to have our cordon bleu lunch, the skies opened up!!! It only lasted a few minutes... thankfully.
As of this year, our Wednesday group will run from 10.30am until 1pm. The response this week was fabulous. All those concerned enjoyed staying for the extended period and sharing lunch with fellow patients. It will be interesting to see how Wednesdays grow.
We welcome a number of new patients. It is always heartening to see their responses to the service we offer. What a privilege it is to work with people who have such gratitude!! In the next little while we have a number of outings planned that are specially designed for the outdoors. Let's hope the weather holds out!!
Looking forward to another exciting year!!
Until next time, Viv
16 December 2009
Our last week started with a hiss and a roar. Especially for Ann Pitt who was greeted at her door on Monday morning by four good looking firemen from the new Mt Roskill Station. Ann was taken for a joy ride in the Fire Engine down the motorway at breakneck pace!!! Our Ann is certainly a dark horse. Although she has been in New Zealand for years, she has maintained her beautiful English accent and believe it or not was the very unlikely author of the request to go bleating down the highway at outrageous speeds.
Later in the afternoon she visited the firemen with her husband Barry, to present them with a gift of thanks. The firemen further obliged by giving them both a tour of the new station.
A further request was put forward by the gorgeous Kerryanne who wanted to treat her sisters to a Spa Treatment. It took just a few calls and before we could say "Bob's your uncle", we had the three Lualua girls, being picked up by Ross Stewart of First Class Classics, in his immaculate Damilier. Ross took the girls for a tiki tour of Auckland harbour on Wednesday morning and then dropped them at Number 18 where the lovely Linda and her staff treated the girls to a series of pamperings. They then walked a few metres along to Fusion Cafe where they were treated to lunch. What a fantastic experience for all concerned ...both those who received and for those who gave so much...
Opening Doors final event for the year was our annual Christmas Party. It was a fantastic event with everyone dressed up to suit the occasion. We had Paddy Leishman sing a couple of numbers for us, just a matter of days after he was named top male vocalist in a secondary school production. Our very own Derek Bean then stepped up to the mark and accompanied everyone as we sang Christmas Carols. Father Christmas paid his customary visit distributing presents to one and all. This year all patients received two presents as the Indian Community of Mt Roskill donated presents to all patients. The fabulous Sophie and Cameron, both University students, played the cello for us over lunchtime. We are truly blessed to be gifted with such talented people. After the event Sophie and Cameron offered to Busk for us on the city streets to raise further money for hospice. Believe me; they will make a substantial amount for this great organisation. Isn't it heartening to have the likes of Paddy (16) and Sophie and Cameron (early 20's) to volunteer their time for Mercy Hospice.
Now the meal!! Yes just fantastic. Brenda Valentin, Carol Lambert and Diane Dolan, created scrumptious vegetable dishes, while Julie's husband Roger managed to cook the ham, before going into hospital for an operation!! LUCKY!!! (And yummy!!) The meal was complimented with chicken pieces cooked on sight by volunteers and fresh bread. Carolyn Leightey made some delicious Christmas mince pies. Ian Sharples from Bakers Delight donated a substantial number of his versions of the Christmas treat. Strawberries, Pavlova, ice cream and cream completed the gourmet meal, which was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.
Patients began leaving about 1.30, exhausted, but their hearts full of joy and thanks.
Next year we begin the ball rolling on the week of Feb 8th!!!
Until next time, Viv
1 December 2009
Might I begin this time with a comment about last Wednesday's gathering. Heather has been doing a wonderful job behind the scenes trying to coerce people into coming on a Wednesday. We had about 13 people last Wednesday and this week will be another big one, with 17 planned to come. The make up of the Wednesday group is very interesting, a majority of patients being male, which is a little unheard of! Our numbers are increasing at the moment with eight new patients joining us last week.
The end of the year is fast approaching, and yes our Christmas Party is planned for the 15th of December and is beginning to take shape. We have a heap of entertainment planned for the patients which will add to the fun and excitement of the day. Opening Doors will finish for the year on the 15th and we will begin again on February the 8th.
We had a very productive Volunteers Meeting a few weeks ago, so good to get feedback so that we can grow and accommodate the needs of our patients. If you ever have any suggestions you would like to share please come forward with them. Interestingly enough I was reading the magazine ALIVE at the weekend and I came across an article written by one of our volunteers, Mike Howie, about the TANGO DANCE. (Mike frequently takes tour parties to Buenos Aires). On hearing this little piece of information Heather suggested why not invite Mike and his friends to do a little demonstration.... So yes, anything goes!
So we do look forward to hearing any new ideas!!!
Until next time, Viv
18 November 2009
What better way to get back into the swing of things than to plan a full on Pamper Me Day on the week after a break!!! (not 'a break', a 42km NY Marathon! -celebratory photo displayed – Ed)
Those who were contributing their skills and therapies for the day had been asked well in advance, so it only took a call on Monday to confirm. Patients were pampered to the nth degree with House of Camille students providing facials, massage, manicures and pedicures for all interested clientele. We had the expertise of Charlotte Cannin, an oncology dietician, Katie Kempthorne, a naturopath and accupunturist, Dada, our yoga and relaxation guru, Sally our nutrimetics makeup artist, and the gorgeous Sarah Breslin , who took photos throughout the morning and provided us with wonderful memories. Wild poppies donated roses for each of the patients and the lovely Angie Redfern provided meals to take home for all of the patients (there is a little story behind this!!!) Kay Barton worked with patients encouraging them to try on outfits supplied by our very own Hospice Shop - 300 on Ponsonby. So it was a very eventful day that was enjoyed by one and all.
On Wednesday instead of Opening Doors we had a very well attended Volunteers Meeting. A number of issues and ideas to improve and fine tune our service were discussed. We have such an amazing group of volunteers who contribute to Opening Doors on many levels. Without these special people we simply could not function.
The annual Christmas Party will be held on Tuesday December the 15th. Opening Doors will then resume on 8th February 2010.
Until next time, Viv
21 October 2009
After a huge day on the 6th Oct at the Thanksgiving luncheon, we had only 14 patients return the following week. Six or eight patients unfortunately were unwell, no doubt due to the patch of unseasonably cold weather. We all managed to have a great time anyway, with Nia the bead lady being the hit of the day with her wonderful bracelet creations.
The following day we had 12 patients who again enjoyed the intimacy of a Wednesday. Seems a funny thing to say, but no matter what the numbers are, Wednesday does have a culture of its own.
This week we only had one day of Opening Doors as we had the Pasta party to organise for the evening of the 21st... It was a fabulous day with 24 patients being pampered by the House of Camille students. It was such a lovely day as patients openly thanked those of us who are venturing to New York. We managed to catch Jan between appointments and she said a few words to the patients as well.
It was very sad to say goodbye to Alison C who touched so many hearts at Opening Doors. What a privilege it is to do the work we do.
In my absence Heather Johnson will be running Opening Doors, so it will be business as usual.
Thank you all for your support of our team.
New York here we come!!!
Until next time, Viv
7 October 2009
This week Opening Doors lived right up to its name!! On Tuesday we opened our doors to what has now become the "Annual Caregivers' Thank You Luncheon". It was a fabulous event.
All patients were encouraged to invite those significant people in their lives who have helped them along their journey. We had over 30 patients attend along with over 60 others who shared the day of celebration. Patients provided the food, a gorgeous array of scrumptious delights. Our amazing Hospice Volunteers organised the logistics of distribution, and the domestics of the kitchen -what an absolutely fantastic team of people. I cannot thank them enough. It is very humbling.
We had flowers for each patient provided by Wildpoppies. Sarah Breslin for Photographers Inc took photos during the morning. The flamboyant Linn Lorkin and Herschile provided us with wonderful entertainment which was complimented by the piano playing of David Thomas. We had Nan's 84th Birthday to celebrate on top of all this, so it was wonderful to have newspaper Correspondent Janie Smith, generously donate a beautifully decorated cake. Janie picked up the skills at a cake decorating course she has recently attended.
The room looked gorgeous, thanks again to the interior decorating skills of the amazing Julie!!
Until next time, Viv
10 September 2009
This week nothing much seemed to change apart from the fact that we held Opening Doors at The Auckland Bowling Club due to the hospice floors under renovation. It was business as usual - our therapists arrived, as did the food, drink and gorgeous patients. Some volunteers were geographically challenged but everyone seemed to arrive at the destination eventually.
Pauline brought with her photos of the day before. She and her two guests, Pat R and Pat W were picked up at Pauline's home and transported to Fortuna Restaurant by Ross from First Class Classics. Pauline was regally attired with glove and crown, and sat inside the back seat of the Daimler dutifully waving to all passers by!! Apparently the meal at Fortuna, Sky City was just what the Doctor ordered… the day could not have been better.
Next week we have a visit to The Auckland Museum and a café lunch planned. The museum staff are most helpful and I am sure the visit will be enjoyed by patients and volunteers alike.
New York Marathon Fundraising Update - It is exciting to know that the first New York Marathon raffle is being drawn this week. An amazing $10,000 was raised from this raffle, thanks to the fabulous generosity of those who donated the fantastic prizes. Good Luck Everyone!
Next week yet another raffle will be launched. There will be seven prizes which are exceptional and the cost of the tickets this time is ONLY $10. Again there is a limited number of tickets which will be available for sale at our Hospice Reception.
Until next time, Viv
27 August 2009
Opening Doors Patients have had a few special treats of late. 57 tickets were issued to Mercy Hospice Auckland for patients to attend Cirque du Soleil's 'Dralion' last Friday evening. By all accounts patients thought it a fantastic experience and were ever so grateful for the generosity shown.
On August 19th Alison and her friend Louise left for their adventure to the South Island. We received a post card and a few texts but will treat you to the detail next time.
We have had a large number of patients attending Opening doors in the last few weeks, especially on Tuesdays. The weather has been obliging so at least this has given patients an option of spending some time on the gorgeous Piazza. We have had special treatments provided by House of Camille Students who genuinely enjoy their time at Mercy. Servilles Hairdressing have had to re look at their commitment to Opening Doors, consequently we were fortunate enough to have the skills of two stylists from yet another local salon NUMBER 18 for the last two weeks. These young ladies too, have really enjoyed their experiences with us.
The next little while will be interesting with Opening Doors having to relocate on the weeks of September the 7th and 14th. We have some exciting things planned!!!
Every other minute of my day is spent trying to persuade people into buying raffle tickets which will go towards our New York Marathon Team fundraising target of $50,000. (Oh, and training for the marathon of course!) Total funds raised by the TeamMercyNY will go towards Mercy Hospice Nurse Education Scholarships.
Until next time, Viv
11 August 2009
What a busy week one might say!!
Alex and I were invited to speak at the Westhaven Rotary Club on Tuesday morning at their Breakfast meeting. Alex is so courageous. He was very tired but managed incredibly well to pass on his message. He spoke so highly of Hospice and the wonderful work done here and charmed his very responsive audience, as he relayed his trip to Queenstown last year in June.
Emma Keeling from TV3 invited patients in groups of six to watch the News process. A group of patients went last Wednesday evening and this week another group will have the pleasure. According to all accounts it was a neat experience and much appreciated. Thanks Emma!!!
Special thanks to Angie Redfern from Ripe Cafe on Richmond Road who provided Lamb Shepherd's Pie for our Tuesday Opening Door patients.
On Wednesday we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of very talented boys and girls from Marist Primary in Herne Bay. There was singing, there was mime, there was ballet, even Michael Jackson (look-alike) made an appearance! Looking around at the faces of our friends I could see how they were touched by the music and dance. Thanks to Heather who arranged their visit.
Until next time, Viv
21 July 2009
Full on pampering was the name of the game on Tuesday 21st July. The House of Camille spoilt us with all their treatments, and to compliment this, we had the expertise of make up therapist Toni from Nutrimetrics. Nia from Beadhold had many patients interested in making jewelery and we were entertained beautifully by Cameron and Sophie with a cello duet!
It has been sad to say goodbye to Heidi our massage therapist, she really was amazing.
We have had a positive response from New Zealand businesses for their help with making Alison's wish of travelling to the South Island come true.
Mid August, Alison sets off on her adventure with her friend Louise. They start by flying to Christchurch thanks to JetStar and stay for two nights at the Clearview Lodge in Harwood (5 STAR!!). From there they travel over to Greymouth on the TransAlpine and stay at the Ashby Motor Inn. The following morning they use a rental car to get themselves to Franz Josef and stay at the Alpine Glacier Motel. On the second to last day they travel to Wanaka Springs and stay a night. Tanya from Destination Queenstown is organising a fabulous Queenstown tourist package. They then fly home.
Thank you so very much for all the wonderful support from the companies who have helped Alison to complete an item on her 'bucket list'.
Until next time, Viv
16 July 2009
Must say that 10 days off work is a great tonic and I do feel quite energised again.
On arrival back at work we trialled our new system of Heather making all the Opening Doors calls. I can now spend more time expanding the possibilities of Opening Doors...working on Wish Lists, getting more therapists on board, and working on making Opening Doors the best it can be in accommodating the needs of the gorgeous patients we have.
Tuesday 14th was of course Bastille Day. We did have fun decking out the Day Room with French paraphernalia collected from around the city!!! We dressed accordingly and donned berets, exclaiming "Bonjour, Bonsoir Voila, and ooh lala" throughout the day!!
The French bread and cheeses added to the authenticity but that is about as far as it went.. Apart from the fact our beautiful Eliane (receptionist) along with Susan (volunteer) gifted us with their adaptation of" Les Marseilles" Appreciated greatly by the large crowd of patients who really enjoyed the ambiance of the day!!
Wednesday was a quiet affair but as always, a lovely alternative for patients who like a more intimate time.
Until next time, Viv
2 July 2009
At Opening Doors this week we had the annual Mid Winter Christmas Party. We had over 30 patients present and we had a hoot of a time. We were entertained by Paddy Leishman and James Leolu (NZ Aria winner 2008). Patients were all dressed in red and showered with gifts, donated by local businesses (and then there was Santa of course!!). I had ten volunteers in the team working tirelessly all day to deliver a 5 star meal to all our wonderful guests... I mentioned the progress in our New York Campaign to all present and within minutes I received a $100 donation towards from one of the patients!!!
This is so exciting!!! NB: Got a further donation today from another patient!!! YES!!!
Until next time, Viv
18 June 2009
Aren't the weeks flying by!!
It has been very eventful in and around Opening doors. The week included a trip to The Medical School where Alex and I spoke to 4th year medical students. It was a privilege to be able to talk to students and to see their responses to our work at Opening Doors. We used the gorgeous photo collage put together by Diane. With the amazing musical sound track it was certainly very appealing for the audience as was the TV3 clip of Track Day.
Alex finished the lecture with a very powerful statement. "Remember when you are Doctors that, like all patients, I am not a kidney, I am not a bowel, but I am Alex and I am living with cancer" Like WOW!!! That boy was so composed and quite an accomplished public speaker!!!
As a result of the lecture, we had at least two or three offers from students who wanted to become volunteers!! Plus the students were really taken with Alex. (He was film star status by the end of the lecture.
The Track Day Cocktail Party was a great success. I am still blown away by the generosity of these people. Without the slightest intention of sounding sanctimonious - it truly is in giving that we receive. Every driver, sponsor, or volunteer on the day felt privileged to be part of the experience and have already put their hand up for next year's event!!!
This week started with a wonderful celebration of June's birthday. We had a big crowd and as a special treat we presented June with a voucher. June will be attending the Royal Navy Band Concert (her favourite) at Bruce Mason Theatre on Monday and then will have High Tea at Smith and Caughey's with 5 of her friends. They will be chauffeur driven for the day and be delivered back to MHA exhausted at 2pm!! Happy Birthday June!
Until next time, Viv