East Cheshire Hospice is turning to virtual fundraising to try to plug a £1m hole in its finances caused by coronavirus.
We are quickly making plans for a new online fundraising campaign to make up for a severe drop in income.
The Hospice was forced to cancel a host of events because of Covid-19 and will lose around a third of the £3m income it generates annually from fundraising and donations.
Rachel Allcock, Income Generation Director, said: “This revenue loss is a huge blow but we’re determined to fight back and raise the funds needed to care for our patients.
“That’s why we’re working on an ambitious virtual fundraising campaign which people can undertake while they’re at home.” Visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/virtual-challenge for details.
Meanwhile, bedside visits to patients are limited to immediate family only, charity shops have closed and many staff are working from home.
Hospice staff checking in from home for their daily coronavirus conference call.
Edna Keefe (84), who has worked in the laundry room since the Hospice opened, reluctantly went into self-isolation.
Edna briefed HR colleague Sue Adams about her role as a contingency.
Sue said: “We’re one team and always help each other out. I’ve also learned about the reception duties and the most important thing is to give the best possible care to patients and their families.
“They’re at the heart of everything we do and we’re all pulling together, even though it’s going to be a bumpy ride for a while.”
Sue Adams helping out with laundry duties.