The local charity organisation has raised about $300,000 since it started in 1989, providing families with hospital-standard equipment that allows their loved one to stay at home.

But its band of volunteers is getting smaller each year as members get older and struggle with the demands of raising funds.

Despite their dwindling numbers, the committee, headed by President Lil Andrews, is determined Hastings Home Hospice has a future and will continue to support seriously ill patients and their families.

The group desperately needs new members – men and women who are willing to fundraise with the aim of making life a little easier for palliative care patients and cancer patients.

Palliative care volunteer coordinator Lyn Nilsson said the Hastings Home Hospice volunteers were a special group of people.

“They raise funds to support the Palliative Care Unit in Wauchope, the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute and patients and families in the Hastings by purchasing equipment and furnishings for the inpatient areas and assisting families to cope with the added burden of meeting necessities when caring for loved ones at home,” Ms Nilsson said.

“This helping hand comes in the form of purchasing hospital beds for use in the home, specialised chairs for added comfort, assistance with medication and providing oxygen concentrators.

“Their efforts make a very real difference to people who are seriously ill or dying.

“The group needs younger volunteers – people who want to continue Hastings Home Hospice’s marvellous legacy.”

Men and women are encouraged to join the group. Membership costs $5 a year, which provides the volunteers with insurance coverage.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 1pm at Port Macquarie Community Health Centre in Morton Street.

For those who want to help but cannot attend meetings, there are plenty of other opportunities to ensure this group’s future.

Volunteers can bake goodies for street stalls, work on fundraising barbecues or transport tables and gazebos to fundraising venues.

“They really are a happy, friendly group who would welcome volunteers of all ages and all walks of life,” Ms Nilsson said.

“Most people know of someone, family or friends, who have been affected by a life-limiting disease and, in our own part of the Mid North Coast, know someone who has been helped by the Palliative Care team.

“It would be great if community-minded people could consider giving some time to help Hastings Home Hospice so it can continue its valued, treasured and greatly appreciated support of Palliative Care.”

For more details about Hastings Home Hospice, phone Mrs Andrews on 0419 422 125.