What started as a simple idea to give back to the community has grown into an extraordinary act of generosity, with Steve Deans, his team at Steve’s Tyre Service and Autocare, and their customers raising more than $150,000 for Arohanui Hospice.
Since 2022, customers visiting Steve’s Tyre Service and Autocare have been able to support Hospice through a straightforward initiative. A $10 puncture repair fee is donated directly to Arohanui Hospice, while customers booking a Warrant of Fitness can also choose to direct a $10 donation to Hospice or other local charities.
The initiative reached $50,000 in 2024 and $100,000 in 2025. The opening of the Levin store in August 2025 has helped the fundraising effort continue to grow, with contributions from Levin customers now also supporting Hospice care across the region.
For owner Steve Deans, the milestone reflects the collective support of both the team and their customers.
“When we started this, we wanted to find a simple and practical way for our business to support the community. Reaching $150,000 shows just how much those individual $10 contributions can add up over time. We’re incredibly grateful to our customers and our team for getting behind it, and we’re proud that our Levin store is now part of it too.”
Arohanui Hospice Foundation Director Michelle Connor says the partnership demonstrates the powerful impact local businesses can have when community giving is built into everyday operations.
“Steve and his team have created something incredibly special. They have made it easy for their customers to contribute, and their consistent commitment has now generated over $150,000 for Hospice care. It is a remarkable achievement and one that reflects the generosity of the entire Steve’s Tyre Service and Autocare community.”
Arohanui Hospice Chief Executive Clare Randall says the ongoing partnership provides both financial support and certainty for the future.
“This support has already made a meaningful impact for Arohanui Hospice. Just as importantly, the ongoing nature of the partnership gives us greater certainty when planning how we will continue providing specialist palliative care and support free of charge. We are deeply grateful to Steve, his team and every customer who has contributed. Together, their many individual acts of generosity have created an extraordinary collective impact.”
The achievement is a testament to what can be accomplished when businesses and communities work together. Every puncture repair and every voluntary donation has helped ensure local patients and their whānau continue to receive compassionate, specialist palliative care when they need it most.
Thank you to Steve, the team at Steve’s Tyre Service and Autocare, and every customer who has contributed to this remarkable $150,000 milestone.
