The traditional "Richmond Shilling" award will be distributed to Dunedin Hospital patients tomorrow.
Pegged to the cost of a jug of beer, it is $10 this year. Operations manager Megan Boivin said the "odd person" used the award — derived from a historic bequest — to buy a drink, but most did not.
"We’re not going out encouraging people to purchase alcohol with it.
"Back in 1934, a shilling purchased a jug of beer.
"When I go out and deliver it, people get a complete surprise they are getting some money.
"A lot of people have heard about it, but also some people need some help understanding it," Mrs Boivin said.
Some people saved the money, while others bought a Lotto ticket or gave it to charity, she said.
"In the neonatal unit we say keep it in the book [of] their birth."
SDHB staff and children would distribute the "shilling" to about 250 patients tomorrow at 5pm.
"For us, who deliver it, it’s a real pleasure, and it’s a real privilege to actually be able to do something that’s not work-related, but brings a smile to people’s faces at a difficult time for them.
"To have a tradition that’s carried on since 1934 — there’s just something really special."
Administered by the Healthcare Otago Charitable Trust, the bequest was made by James Richmond, proprietor of Richmond’s Scotia Hotel.
The amount was also $10 last year.
At Wakari Hospital, the bequest money was spent on Christmas celebrations.
