Merry Christmas, Meri Krismas, Meri Kirihimete, Ofa Ke Mou Ma’u Ha Kilisimase Monu’ia, Monuia e Kilisimasi, La Manuia Le Kerifimasi, Kia Manuia I Te Tiritimiti E Te Mataiti Ou, Me Manuia Te Kilisimasi, Le Manuia Le Kerisimasi, Me Nomuni Na Marau Ni Iga Ni Sucu
Wow, once again there always seems to be a lot happening at this time of the year as we all head into the festive season with our busy-ness of work, getting ready for Christmas and the New Year with Family and friends, shopping challenges, cooking, tidying up home, and so on.
But it is also a time to take some reflection of the year that has passed, families that struggle at Christmas time, the loved ones we have all lost during the year as well as thinking of the future ahead. This year we have seen natural disasters as well as accidents, both on the roads and in the seas that have taken loved ones unexpectedly.
We also remember clients of Pacific Homecare who have lived life to its full and have passed on. I also want to particularly acknowledge our Board Chair Frank Stowers, who passed away in July this year. He was simply the very best in a leader, naturally intelligent, a great friend and fully focused on what really matters when serving others and always putting others before himself. We love you Frank and miss you deeply.
To all our staff, thank you again for your service this year to our clients and their families, you do a great job. What really matters to us, and to them, is a great quality service, so please keep it going. There is nothing better than when we all see smiling faces.
Secondly, to staff who graduate with Pacific Pathways, Level 2 and Level 3 national certificates, well done on your journey that is worth completing and celebrating. Also to staff taking a holiday break at Christmas, please enjoy your time with family and friends. To those staff who are working through, I have nothing but respect, because you are special and amazing people – thank you so much for taking care of our clients, it is very much appreciated.
One of the reasons for celebrating Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ, who embodies the miracle of Christmas and the hope of the future. As we come to Christmas I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:13 which says, “these three things remain, Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is Love”. Our Faith is important to sustaining us through the challenges that come our way, our Hope is always focused on what is possible for the future. And our Love, well that is for each of us and for each other, even strangers who we do not know. Love is for every day and every moment. May God Bless you all at this time.
Please note during the Christmas break our offices will officially be closed from Friday 23rd December 2016 and we will re-open on Monday 9th January 2017. As always we will have Field and Resource Coordinators on duty during this time and you can contact them via text, phone or email. Please leave a message if you get the answer machine and they will return your call. In case of an Emergency you can call 111 if required.
Also, staff need to be aware that due to the Statutory Holidays (Christmas and New Year) falling on the weekend (deferred to Monday and Tuesday), your pay into your bank account may be delayed until Thursday of each week due to timing issues to process your wages.
Meitaki maata e kia manuia
Hamish Crooks
Chief Executive, Pacific Homecare
