THE BURNING down of the Mount Warning Hotel at Uki was a tragic event that will be remembered with sadness for many years to come.

But there's a little survival story that adds a touch of irony and maybe brings a wee bit of a smile to those who hear it.

The hotel had a charity box for Tweed Palliative Support Inc.

That box bubbled in the flames and was twisted out of shape by the inferno.

But it survived, complete with its contents - donations made by patrons.

Like a lost treasure box, it has found its way back to those who need it.

"It's a little miracle in itself," said volunteer for the group, Kathleen Baldwin.

"What a curious twist of fate."

Members of the care group are so taken aback by the return and the fact that the publicans took the time to locate and return the box that they will be making a donation to the pub.

"There's always something good to be found even in what seems like the worst event," Ms Baldwin said.

The theme for National Palliative Care Week 2013 is Palliative Care... everyone's business.

"Palliative care is an issue that will affect all of us at some point in our lives, whether as a patient, carer, family member, neighbour or friend," Ms Baldwin said.

"To ensure that we all have quality care at the end of life and are able to live and die well, we all need to take responsibility for making this happen."

National Palliative Care Week runs from May 19-25.