Rowcroft Hospice transformed its Torquay premises into a call centre last night as part of its emergency fundraising efforts.
Staff and volunteers from across the hospice manned phone lines between 4 and 8.30pm, raising an impressive £3500.
There were also a lot of requests for information about the hospice’s events and challenges, many new lottery players and one supporter rung in to sign up for a Torquay to Land’s End bike ride.
Last night’s fundraising activity takes the total amount donated to the hospice since it announced it was facing a drastic funding shortfall to over £100,000. Jon Hill, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Rowcroft Hospice, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response we had to our inaugural telephone appeal last night and would like to thank everyone we spoke to for giving us their time and support.”
Rowcroft announced in July that a dip in legacy income, increase in demand for services and financial pressures from the NHS had led to a funding short fall. Over the next twelve months Rowcroft is hoping to raise an extra £585,000 to return the hospice to financial stability.
Jon explained: “We have developed a three year plan that ensures we can continue to care for circa 2000 local people and their families each year.
“This plan is based on raising an additional £585,000 this year to return the hospice to a strong financial position and safeguard our future.”
Over the last few weeks the hospice has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support it has received from the local community.
Sue Harvey, Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit Manager, said: “We can’t thank the local community enough for the support we have received over the last few weeks; every single donation, word of encouragement and offer of support has been gratefully received at what is an incredibly difficult time for all of us.” More information about Rowcroft’s current financial situation is available at www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/appeal.
Rowcroft’s telephone appeal line, 01803 217450, is still open for anyone who would like to know more about the ways they can support the hospice.
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