Collection tins are so important to hospice

THE sight of a North Devon Hospice collection box in a local shop may be quite common, but when it is usually only pennies that get put into them, how much difference can they actually make? The answer is: A big difference! The local charity is asking th

THE sight of a North Devon Hospice collection box in a local shop may be quite common, but when it is usually only pennies that get put into them, how much difference can they actually make? The answer is: A big difference!

The local charity is asking the people of North Devon to help it get more collection boxes out in the community, as hospice fund-raiser Rebecca Worth explained. "When people put a penny in a hospice collection box at a shop or pub, they may not know what a difference it makes.

"Last year, �15,000 was raised through these collection boxes and with the help of the local community we are aiming to raise �30,000 in the next 12 months. That would be enough to run all of North Devon Hospice's many services for four whole days, which would be a great achievement."

Rebecca added: "We are looking for shops, pubs, restaurants, petrol stations, sports clubs or any other establishments to take a collection box for their customers to donate their loose change. By doing this one small thing, you will be making a big difference to the lives of local people cared for by North Devon Hospice."

One person who has seen how much money can be raised through the humble collection box is local garage director, Colin Moore. He said: "We have had a North Devon Hospice collection box on the tills of our Esso Garages at Sticklepath and Barbican Road for some time now. I was amazed to hear recently that we have raised over �2,000 - just because our customers have dropped in their loose change!

"It is something so simple to do and can raise a lot of funds for this very worthwhile charity, so if anybody out there could have a North Devon Hospice collection tin, I would say it is definitely worth it."

Rebecca said: "This example just goes to show that small change can make a big difference. If we raise �30,000 through our collection tins in the next year, that would pay for four days worth of hospice services, which include Specialist Community Nursing, Day Hospice, our Bedded Unit, Complementary Therapies and Emotional and Spiritual Support.

"Our care is provided free of charge to thousands of people every year who are suffering from the impact of a life-threatening illness, but it would not be possible without the support of the local community."

If you would like a North Devon Hospice collection tin for your business or establishment please contact Rebecca Worth on (01271) 347204,