Willow Wood Hospice issue virtual plea

Ashton’s Willow Wood Hospice is appealing to residents to help boost its funds by putting on virtual events, stating they have never needed more help than in these tough times.

As the advice, rules and regulations around coronavirus are constantly updated, it is increasingly difficult for the hospice - along with all charities - to plan and stage fundraising events.  

It means the hospice is facing an ever-greater shortfall in income and so it is now appealing for people’s help.

“We’re looking more and more at virtual fundraising,” explained Anthony Lord, Head of Income Generation.  

“We’ve already had a virtual balloon race and dog show and changed our Midnight Wander to a virtual Martini Midnight Wander, so any time, any place, anywhere by doing 20,000 steps for the hospice during October. 

“A number of our supporters have been doing virtual events for us. Ian Spedding is raising funds for us in the Virtual Great North Run. Chris and Joanne Hinds are raising funds with a monthly virtual quiz. Simon Goulden is cycling the Way of the Roses – that’s 275 kilometres over several weeks on his weekend bike rides and Mike Styan is organising his annual Enchanted Evening concert which has raised over £17,000 over the years, as a Youtube event.  

“We’re so proud of our community who are stepping up to fundraise virtually for us in such creative ways.  

“However we need that community support now more than ever. Could you organise a Willow Wood Dress Down Day at work? We’ve got very stylish Bee Safe and Bee Aware T shirts available for just £9.99 and we’d love to share your team photos wearing them! Or could you organise a bake sale for your morning tea break? Or how about a girls’ night in?  Make some cocktails and nibbles and donate what you would have spent on taxis and entrance fees - you can even do it over Zoom!”

For more ideas visit www.willowwood.info for some inspiration and to see what other fundraisers are doing. 

“Our community have supported us so well for the past 21 years, but we have never needed that support more than we do now,” added Anthony.