Wooden Crosses for the Nelson Hospice

   On Monday 15 April, the Silver Level Vinnies delivered to the Nelson Hospice some beautiful wooden crosses that they had painted. The wooden crosses were created by the Waimea MenzShed and were designed in such a way that they easily fit into the palm of your hand providing comfort for people as they are dying. The Silver Level Vinnies painted these crosses and were assisted by a few eager beavers who applied lavender oil on the back of them. Tags were then attached and the crosses delivered.

   The crosses will be in the reception area of the inpatient unit for people to take one to give to a patient. Should this project prove successful, the Waimea MenzShed have kindly offered us a continued supply of crosses and hearts we are able to deliver.

Helping Hands for Families Project

   The Helping Hands for Families Project got away to a flying start on Monday 8 April when the St Joseph Vinnies set to work turning shoeboxes into cars for their non-perishable food drive. The aim of this project is to assist as many people as the Vinnies are able over the next 5 weeks in return for a non-perishable food item that they are able to put into their shoebox car. These cars will then be returned to school on Monday 13 May along with the Vinnies sheets of who the Vinnies helped. The food will be presented to the Loaves and Fishes Organisation to distribute to families in need in the community. Loaves and Fishes is a community organisation that provides meals for people who are struggling. It has also extended its work to assist families in need by starting up the Thursday Community offering meals, a homework programme for their children and other support.

    If we have an overwhelming response to this project, we are hoping to also be able to share the food items that come in with the Nelson St. Vincent de Paul Centre to also distribute.

   Below are a couple of the fantastic cars that were made at our session. A week on from starting this project, already a number of the Vinnies are reporting back that they are well underway with loading up their cars. Well done everyone and keep up the great work!