Southland Golf Day Unites Community for Hospice Care

When Scott Whitaker organized a charity golf day in Southland, he knew hospice care touches nearly every family in the region at some point. What he created was more than a fundraiser—it was a community coming together to protect care that costs families nothing but means everything.

Par for Purpose took place on Friday, February 13, 2026, bringing together local golfers, businesses, and community leaders. The tournament raised funds for Hospice Southland's specialist palliative care services, which families receive completely free of charge.

Whitaker said the cause hit close to home. "Like many Southlanders, I have seen firsthand the huge impact hospice has on families during some of the toughest times in their lives," he explained.

He wanted to do something meaningful while raising awareness about how vital hospice care is. A day of golf felt like the perfect way to gather people for a purpose that matters.

Hospice Southland Chief Executive Pete Thompson said community support makes their work possible. "We do what we do because our community helps us do it," he shared.

Events like this one are critical because hospice services don't receive full government funding. The organization relies on fundraising, donations, and volunteers to continue providing care and dignity to people living with life-limiting illness.

The Ripple Effect

The tournament drew support from across the region, including well-known Southland figures who cooked sausages and kept players comfortable. The warm atmosphere reflected something deeper: a community protecting care for its own.

Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell noted that almost every family in Southland connects with hospice at some point. "The work they do is extraordinary," he said, praising the community for showing up.

Thompson thanked Whitaker for his leadership in bringing people together. "When individuals and businesses choose to back hospice, they are directly supporting care that stays local and supports local families," he said.

The funds raised are still being counted, but every dollar goes directly toward ensuring hospice care remains available for future generations who will need it most.