Back in March, Beaumond House launched an emergency appeal #fillthegapBH asking for support to help fill a £300,000 shortfall as a result of coronavirus. The hospice has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown by the local community and businesses and the appeal now stands at nearly £86,000.
Supporters of the hospice have organised virtual runs and quizzes, head and beard shaves, Facebook birthday fundraisers, live garden performances, bike challenges, picture competitions and many more.
Staff at Beaumond House have been hugely impressed at the variety and creativity of the virtual events and are extremely grateful at the generous efforts shown in support of the hospice.
Fundraising and marketing manager Cathy Lowe said “The support and generosity of this local community has been incredible and we are so very grateful to everyone who has done something, no matter how small to support our essential work, every little act makes a positive change, thank you.”
Donations of face masks and scrub bags, food, goods, profits from sales, equipment and a number of salons have donated vouchers for a fundraising prize draw have been made by various local businesses and individuals and gratefully received by the hospice.
A local photographer, Claire Andrews of Little Posy Photography has kindly given up her time on a daily basis to take photographs of families and businesses in return for voluntary donations to the hospice’s #fillthegapBH appeal.
The businesses have been named ‘Beaumond House Business Heroes’ and can be found on the hospice website www.beaumondhouse.co.uk/fill-the-gap
Kat Wright, Corporate and events fundraising officer who has recently trained as a health care assistant to do shifts at the hospice, says “Even during these unprecedent times as the country struggles with the current crisis there is positivity and laughter in the hospice, the patient’s care and comfort remains an utter priority. For Beaumond House helping the local community must continue. We are facing a £300,000 loss of fundraising income over the next 6 months with no certainty of when we can return to our fundraising normals. I am so proud to be a part of Beaumond House”.
While virtual supporter fundraisers and donations will always be hugely appreciated and vital to fundraising income, the hospice are still looking at a serious shortfall in funding this year due to the impact of coronavirus and as things transition to a new normal, the hospice needs the continued support of the community.
The hospice say the community have been amazing at helping them to fill the gap in such an unusual time and wanted to bring some normality back so have decided to continue with their annual Be Bright Blue campaign, which will take place week commencing Monday 8th June. More details will be announced shortly on the hospice’s social media channels and website.
For further details please call 01636 610556 or visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk