The Taranaki Health Foundation is incredibly grateful to receive a generous $15,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Waitara, Bell Block & Districts. This contribution will go towards enhancements at the Taranaki Cancer Centre, a standalone facility at Taranaki Base Hospital that will provide local cancer care to hundreds of patients each year.
This donation is made in memory of Emily Calgher, a dedicated club member and former treasurer who passed away in 2003. The funds were raised following the sale of Emily's father-in-law's property after his passing in 2004. In true Rotary spirit, club members came together for a working bee to prepare the property for sale, with an appraisal carried out by Harcourts. It was agreed that any proceeds exceeding the appraised value would be donated to Rotary in Emily's name and invested, with the interest used at the club's discretion.
After careful consideration, the Rotary Club decided that the best use of these funds would be to sponsor a whānau room in the new Taranaki Cancer Centre. These rooms provide a warm, welcoming space for patients and their families to gather - offering a retreat from the clinical environment and helping to enhance emotional well-being and mental health during challenging times.
An example of one of the whānau rooms in the New East Wing Building
Room to Dream
The whānau room is part of the Taranaki Health Foundation's Room to Dream campaign, an initiative that allows businesses and individuals to sponsor specific rooms throughout Taranaki Base Hospital. Sponsorship opportunities range from $8,000 for a Therapy Room in Te Puna Wai Kātea to $75,000 for essential, life-saving spaces such as a Resuscitation Room in the Emergency Department or ICU Patient Rooms. Each sponsored room will feature a plaque recognizing the generosity of its sponsor.
If you would like to learn more about room sponsorship opportunities, contact Taranaki Health Foundation Donor Relationship Manager Grant Carter at 027 248 4044 or email grant@thf.org.nz.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Waitara, Bell Block & Districts for your incredible generosity—your support will make a lasting difference for patients and their families in Taranaki.