The charity is facing £1,000,000 losses over a three-month period because of cancelled fundraising events, activities and closed charity shops. Regardless of these losses, their care is continuing throughout the coronavirus pandemic as they work hard to look after many vulnerable patients with life-limiting or terminal illnesses.
You can help this care continue both now and in the future by supporting the hospice from the safety of your own home. From hosting a virtual ‘Gin and Jammies’ party to taking part in virtual challenges (eg ‘On Yer Bike’, ‘Adidas City Run’, ‘2.6 Challenge’), there is a whole range of adapted events in place of those the hospice would normally have hosted, such as the Colour Dash or Ladies Lunch. In addition to virtual events, you can support the hospice by joining their lottery, leaving a gift in your will, dedicating a dragonfly in memory of a loved one or simply by making a donation. The hospice has gathered a range of ideas suited to all types of supporters. Please visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/fundraising-ideas to view the list.
At the time of writing their shops and warehouse were closed, with a planned phased opening once it is safe to do so. Their warehouse at Cardinal Close is opening as a ‘donation station’. They are working hard to make sure they have everything in place in their shops and warehouse to keep their staff, volunteers and customers safe and well, as this is most important. Please keep an eye on www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk for updates on when their shops will be reopening, and they can accept your donations once more.
They miss the generous donations of pre-loved items. They keep the charity’s shops stocked with wonderful things and if they are Gift Aided, they can raise an extra 25% for the hospice. Since they started the Gift Aid scheme, they have signed up more than 22,000 people to the scheme, and donors have helped raise over £500,000 extra for St Barnabas Hospice! They also miss their customers, popping in to find that pre-loved bargain, have a natter and support the ongoing work of the hospice with buying power. From a pack of Christmas cards to a three-piece suite, every penny spent in their shops helps fund their wonderful hospice care across the county.
