Community Support Drives Hospice Fundraiser Success

Hospice Southland has thanked event organiser Scott Whitaker after a successful charity golf day brought the Southland community together in support of hospice care.

Par for Purpose, held on Friday, 13 February 2026, united local golfers, businesses and community leaders for a day focused on raising funds and awareness. The event showed how strongly the region stands behind hospice services that support families during some of life’s hardest moments.

Money raised from the tournament is still being counted. All proceeds will go directly towards Hospice Southland’s specialist palliative care services, which are provided free of charge to patients and families across the region.

Whitaker said the cause was close to his heart.

“Like many Southlanders, I have seen firsthand the huge impact hospice has on families during some of the toughest times in their lives,” Whitaker said.

“I wanted to do something meaningful to support the incredible work they do. Bringing people together for a day of golf felt like a great way to raise funds, but also to raise awareness of just how important hospice care is in our community.”

Hospice Southland Chief Executive Pete Thompson said community backing was essential to the organisation’s work.

“We do what we do because our community helps us do it,” Thompson said.

“Events like Par for Purpose are critical. They enable us to continue delivering compassionate care, supporting patients and families at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”

Hospice services are not fully government funded, meaning the organisation relies heavily on fundraising, donations and volunteers to continue providing care, dignity and choice to people living with life-limiting illness.

“Scott’s leadership in bringing this event together has had a real impact,” Thompson said.

“When individuals and businesses choose to back hospice, they are directly supporting care that stays local and supports local families.”

The day also drew strong backing from well-known Southland identities. Supporters helped cook sausages on the barbecue and kept players and guests well looked after, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell attended and praised the organisation’s work.

“Hospice is one of those organisations that almost every family in Southland is connected to in some way, at some point,” Mayor Campbell said.

“The work they do is extraordinary. It is fantastic to see the community come together behind an event like this and show their support for the care hospice provides.”

Hospice Southland thanked Whitaker, players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters, saying their efforts will help ensure hospice care remains local and available for future generations.