Rowcroft Hospice is dishing up a fresh fundraising initiative with the launch of Dine & Donate. The new scheme encourages local restaurants, pubs, and cafés to join hands with their customers to raise funds to care for patients with life-limiting illnesses, and their loved ones, across South Devon.
The concept of Dine & Donate is simple: participating local restaurants, pubs, and cafés invite customers to top off their meal with a dash of goodwill – a small, optional donation of £1 (or more). This gift goes directly to the charity Rowcroft Hospice, helping to provide vital end-of-life care to local patients. It’s proof that even the smallest slice of generosity can make a big difference.
Through Donate & Dine, eateries have a choice of how to support Rowcroft. Some establishments are adding ‘invisible chips’ or other items to the menu – essentially a charity donation to Rowcroft Hospice, but dressed up in a different way.
Several fantastic local eateries have already joined the initiative. Lorraine Arnold, Owner of Pier Point Bar and Restaurant in Torquay said: “We’re delighted to see our ‘invisible chips’ campaign inspiring others, and we’d encourage every eatery to get involved in Rowcroft Hospice’s Dine & Donate initiative in whatever way works best for them. It doesn’t have to be invisible chips – it could be as simple as adding £1 to the bill or donating a set amount from a particular dish to support this incredible local charity. Our customers, both local and visiting, really appreciate and support the initiative, and it’s a great conversation starter about giving back to our community. Most importantly, our staff truly believe in it, which has made it something we are all proud to be part of.”
Lisa Whittaker, Corporate Fundraiser at Rowcroft Hospice, expressed her enthusiasm for the scheme, stating:”Dine & Donate offers an easy and meaningful way for people to support hospice care in our community while enjoying the best of local hospitality. A small, optional donation on your bill might seem like a tiny gesture, but when put together with other customers’ donations, it all adds up to make a huge difference in caring for local patients and their families who are facing the hardest times imaginable.”
Rowcroft Hospice supports over 2,500 patients and their loved ones annually across South Devon through its specialist care and support.
During recent months, Rowcroft has indicated that the financial pressures facing the charity are significant – due to many factors including the cost of living crisis, low government funding, a national drop in charitable giving and an escalating demand for end-of-life care. Receiving only 24% of funding from the NHS, the support of the community is paramount to ensure the continuation of vital services.
Rowcroft Hospice is asking local restaurants, cafés and pubs to join the Dine & Donate scheme in order to support care in their community.
“We’d love to hear from local eateries who’d like to take part in our Dine & Donate scheme,” said Lisa Whittaker. “Or if you’re a customer, why not suggest Dine & Donate to your favourite dining venue? Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or indulging in a three-course feast, Dine & Donate enables kindness to always be there on the menu!”
For more information on how to get involved or to find participating venues, please visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk/dine-and-donate
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