Team Soul - Fundraising for the Pounamu Room

On the 6th of November, the Maia Foundation is holding "The Amazing Raise" in Christchurch to raise funds for the redevelopment of the NICU in Christchurch and Paul Smith Earthmoving is entering a team, "Team Soul" — a cause that is incredibly close to our hearts.

We are doing this in memory of Soul Tinnelly Dewe, who passed away at ten months old. Soul was born 8 weeks early and spent 290 days in the neonatal unit. At just 6 weeks old, he was diagnosed with a rare terminal genetic condition. Soul's Mum Abbe has been part of the PSE family since 2007.

The Maia Foundation has launched a "Tiny Hands Need Big Hearts" campaign to raise funds for improvements to family spaces such as overnight parent rooms and lounges, and specialised areas such as the Pounamu Room, a dedicated bereavement space in the unit where families can grieve and sit together in private during an incredibly difficult time.

That is why the Pounamu Room means so much to all of us — a space that was used weekly for Soul's parents where they had incredibly difficult conversations, where their family and friends were able to come and visit during their time at the unit, where Soul had his first sleepover with his parents, and where Soul visited for the very last time to say goodbye to all his favourite nurses and doctors.

If you are able to donate, no matter how big or small, we would be incredibly grateful.