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."
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.5% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% 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.