Tea loving Kiwis have a chance to help fund Hospice by enjoying cups of Dilmah green tea.
As a long-time supporter of the palliative care organization, Dilmah has donated tea requirements to every Hospice in New Zealand since 1997, ensuring that those who rely on the service, together with their families, friends, visitors, Hospice staff and volunteers, can share comfort over a cup of tea.
Hospice Chief Executive Mary Schumacher says the gift over so many years is testament to the commitment the entire Dilmah family has to Hospice in New Zealand.
“This donation – about five million tea bags over the years – has saved hospices throughout the country well over $250,000, supporting us in our work totally free of charge,” she says. “The process of making a cup of tea and the comforting conversations that can occur over a hot cup of tea, can be relaxing and therapeutic, no matter the time of day or night.”
While grateful for such praise, the Dilmah family maintains it is not about the dollar value, rather giving in a small way to people’s lives at a time when they really need the opportunity to relax.
As well as giving tea bags Dilmah also donates around $20,000 every year to Hospice with the help of New Zealand’s tea drinkers. Dilmah now has a range of specially labelled green tea packs available in most supermarkets throughout the country. With 50c from each purchase going to Hospice, the Dilmah team hopes with consumers’ assistance to raise the same sum this year.
The Dilmah Green 20 tea bag varieties carrying the donation are: Pure Green Tea, Green Tea with natural Jasmine Petals, Green Tea with natural Lemongrass and Lemon and Green Tea Moroccan Mint.
During his visit to New Zealand last month Dilmah founder Merrill J Fernando spoke not only of his passion for real tea and the company he formed over 30 years ago, but also of his deep love for his MJF Charitable Foundation, which he created to realise his belief in helping those less fortunate.
“Dilmah is committed to quality, honesty and integrity, with a philosophy that when one receives, one must also give back. As a family-owned company, Dilmah shares Hospice NZ’s values of celebrating life and caring for those who need our help and support. I would like to thank New Zealanders for sharing in this philosophy,” he said.
