With charities reportedly facing a significant loss of income over the next six months due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity (MSHC) is no exception, and is now appealing to supporters for help.
“It’s a devastating time for the charity fundraising team,” explained Ophelia Chambers-Henry, MSHC Events Manager. “In terms of income we’re facing a huge financial shortfall this year as we’ve had to cancel many of our events, activities and community fundraising streams.
“In addition, our three charity shops, weekly market book stalls and warehouse operations, have also all been closed until further notice to ensure the wellbeing of our wonderful volunteers, staff and supporters in line with Government guidelines.
“We need our supporters now more than ever. It was only last year that the local community fought to help us reopen the Hospice inpatient unit, which saw an incredible refurbishment project undertaken and completed, costing the Charity over £385k from its funding reserves pot. Yet now, due to Covid-19, we are experiencing a new setback to how we can continue to raise funds. Michael Sobell Hospice relies on the generosity of its valued supporters to help in funding the care and support of local people with life limiting illness in their time of need.”
Ophelia added: “In simple terms, we need to raise £5,750 a day to support our 10-bedded inpatient and day therapy unit – 60% of the funding needed to support the specialist clinical care services, and in addition, those ‘little extras’ which make hospice care so special. Every donation made (however small) takes us one step closer to preventing the Hospice from closing and allows us to help patients who need our support RIGHT NOW – and for many more months to come.”
To make a donation to Michael Sobell Hospice, please click on the link here post a donation to the Fundraising Office, Michael Sobell Hospice, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, WD3 1PZ, or visit the Charity’s Facebook page HERE and donate via the appeal fundraiser which has now been set up. If you are visiting the Hospice, please leave your donation at Reception marked for the attention of the Fundraising Team.
Although adhering to Government guidelines of working from home, the fundraising team has been keeping busy by getting in touch with several local and national businesses, highlighting how they can get involved and support the Hospice in these uncertain times. The Team has arranged two donations of disinfectant gel cleanser and liquid soaps from Waitrose (plus tea, cakes and Easter eggs) and arranged shipments or orders for 3D manufactured face screens and further hand sanitiser supplies courtesy of Medik8.
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