Sewn with love
Kathryn Van Woerkom provides support for patients and their relatives as a hospital chaplain.
Recently, she has also been very busy sewing hundreds of reusable masks.
All the masks have been sewn from fabrics generously donated from Kathryn's friends, family and work colleagues.
"Many of the masks made have been gifted to churches and community groups—they then donate them to people in need," said Kathryn.
Kathryn also had many staff enquiring to buy her masks. After receiving numerous requests, she decided to sell them to staff as a fundraiser for the hospital's Dignity Trolley.
The Dignity Trolley is for patients, who are at the end of their life—and for their families—who are by their bedside.
The trolley is laden with fine china, speciality tea and coffee, and homemade baking.
Liz McCloat, an administrator in the Medical Ward, help created the Dignity Trolley.
"We know the trolley makes a huge difference during the end-stages of a patient's life," said Liz.
"The trolley helps bring some comfort to the families and friends during a very hard time."
So far Kathryn has made nearly 450 masks. Many of them have been given away to those in need, and close to 200 of them have been sold to staff and their families.
"We started selling a few on our ward but it quickly grew," said Kathryn.
"It was amazing to see all the staff and their families supporting this important service."
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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76.3% Yes
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22.4% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Begonia house to be demolished at botanic gardens
It's outrageous that the Wellington City Council are going to demolish the Begonia house at the Botanic gardens. This is an asset. One would have thought the green faction of the council would have supported fixing it. It's strange no one has questioned the price required to fix it. Cycle ways more important than begonia house i think not