We have launched a month of thank you's in recognition of the amazing support we have received during the past year.
Head of fundraising and marketing Cathy Lowe said Beaumond House was dependent on many different forms of support from the community.
“We know how important it is to say thank you to the people on whose help we heavily rely,” she said.
“We can never say thank you enough.”
We have decided to dedicate January to thank those who give time, money, expertise and support to ensure we can continue to offer our services to the community.
“We have been astounded, and at times have even cried, at some of the lengths people have gone to help us under the most incredibly challenging times we have known in recent history,” said Cathy.
“We know we ask so much of the local community. After a year like no other it feels right to go further than we have before to acknowledge and recognise this support with a whole month dedicated to saying thank you.”
Our daily thank you message will also highlight some of the examples of generosity and kindness received over the past year.
People have raised money with cake sales, hair cuts, walking, running, cycling and flying challenges. Some have given cash and others have increased their regular giving.
Local companies have offered practical help as well as food, masks and other PPE.
The support received from the community, along with a life-line of local and national grants, has meant we have been able to continue to support those who need its care.
“As we now enter a new year we are still uncertain when our lives will return to what we previously recognised as normal. One thing is for sure – we will still need your help, “said Cathy.
“Please remember Beaumond House is your local hospice; it is here for you and those you love, every day of the year.”
We would like to thank the businesses who have provided equipment and expertise to help us.
Derry Building Services has been the latest company to help at Beaumond House. They stepped in when we needed two walls demolished to make way for a garden room.
The new space will be a dedicated area for bereavement support and complementary therapies.
Volunteer co-ordinator Lucy Millard said they were delighted that the company was able to help.
“We are so very grateful for all the local companies that have been so generous with their time and donations,” she said.
“Thank you so very, very much.”
Knowhow has donated webcams, PCVs, tablets and equipment for the charity’s shops.
Photographer Claire Andrews of Little Posy Photography gave up her time on a daily basis to take pictures of families and businesses in return for donations to the hospice.
There have also been wonderful donations of face masks and scrub bags, food and other goods.
“The support and the generosity of the local business community has been incredible,” said Lucy.
We relaunched our Beaumond House Business Club early in the year. Corporate events and fundraising manager Kat Wright said they had received an amazing response to it but because of the pandemic the growth of the club had been put on hold.
“But this year we are looking forward to starting the scheme once again and support our amazing local businesses by working together,” she said.