Hospice Mid Canterbury is offering a special one day only Christmas experience with a difference next month.
It could be a great gift idea, an end of year work function or just a nice day out with fun, festive scenes and fare while raising funds for a good cause.
The Christmas Experience committee members have planned a six hour programme on Sunday, December 4, to enthrall and delight the senses.
Members Anne Marie Leech and Pam Williams say the experience, last held in 2019, raised more than $22,000 for hospice, and this year with extra tickets available, organisers are hoping to up the tally.
Committee members have set aside time for viewing six beautifully decorated homes, concluding with a relaxing wander through Trott’s Gardens and perusing a mini market of stalls on site, enjoying live music and visiting the Christmas themed chapel.
The homes, within close range of each other, are completely different and, going by planning meetings, will be extensively decorated in ‘‘outside the box’’ stylings.
‘‘They are so different from each other, individually unique really,’’ Pam said.
‘‘I’m so excited, they have definitely thought outside the box.’’
Anne Marie agreed.
‘‘Every single house is different. They have new fresh, young ideas,’’ she said.
The programme, and a goodie bag, is given to ticket holders on the morning of the event and includes a list of the homes and times for visiting.
There is also a coffee cart, sausage roll and ice cream pedaler along the way.
Hospice Mid Canterbury was currently working with 86 clients and had a raft of volunteers working in support roles from support through to biography hours.
Thanks to the generosity of 100% Smith & Church, who have underwritten the whole event, all tickets sold meant money in the bank for Hospice Mid Canterbury, Anne Marie said.
Pam opened up her home in 2019 and said it was anew challenge that gave her an opportunity to be involved in a hospice fundraiser.
It was daunting at first but ‘‘the people that come through the homes are all so positive and appreciative … the day is such a successful day.’’
‘‘The monies raised for hospice make it all worthwhile and this surely is Christmas spirit at its best,’’ she said.
Tickets cost $75 and can be bought from Hospice Ashburton, on Havelock Street, or at the Homestead Store, in the Ashburton Arcade.
