Celebrating 10 years of service at our Whanganui East Hospice Shop
At Hospice Whanganui, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do and this month, we’re proud to celebrate one of our own.
Karen Aukett has been volunteering at the Whanganui East Hospice Shop for 10 years. Recently recognised as Volunteer Whanganui’s Volunteer of the Month, Karen’s dedication, warmth, and commitment reflect the very spirit of hospice care.
Karen comes from a family with a strong volunteering background, and when she moved to Whanganui East, she was looking for a way to continue serving her community. As she puts it, “My husband suggested volunteering for the hospice shop, and I haven’t looked back. I love it.”
Over the years, Karen has become a treasured part of our Hospice whānau. She volunteers three shifts each week and is known for her kindness, positivity, and ability to make customers feel seen and valued. Despite facing her own health challenges, Karen continues to show up with generosity and heart, building strong relationships with regular customers and supporting new volunteers as they learn the ropes.
As Kisu Hall, Volunteer Coordinator at Hospice Whanganui, shared:
“Karen has a deep understanding of Hospice values and treats everyone she meets with genuine kindness, respect, and care.”
For Karen, volunteering is about connection. “I’m at the front counter, and I love the interaction with people. Not only is it me helping Hospice, but Hospice helps me.”
Some days, she says, it would be easy to stay home, but being part of the Hospice team gives her purpose and community.
We are incredibly grateful for Karen’s contribution to Hospice Whanganui. Volunteers like Karen help ensure we can continue providing specialist palliative care to patients and whānau across our region – supporting people to live with dignity, comfort, and choice at the end of life.
If you’re considering volunteering, Karen has a simple message:
“We definitely need more volunteers. Don’t think twice about volunteering.”
You’ll find Karen at the Whanganui East Hospice Shop on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings – always ready with a smile.