The Donegal Hospice has appealed to businesses’, schools, community groups and members of the public to get behind and support their annual Coffee Morning fundraiser on September 20.
This year’s event was officially launched on Thursday, August 30 at the hospice by a patron, Shaun Doherty, who was joined by the Chairperson, Grace Boyle, Administrator, Isobel Doherty, Assistant Director of Nursing, Lucy McGettigan and staff.
The Coffee Morning is one of the key fundraising events organised by the hospice in Donegal. Now, in its 26th year, the money raised all over the county will continue to ensure patients receive the highest possible standard of palliative care.
Ms Boyle said the hospice bed-unit first opened in 2003, but since 1988 thousands of patients and their families have seen first hand the exceptional care, compassion, understanding and support given to loved one by staff.
“People have been so generous and innovative in helping us to fundraise every year. Every penny raised is used for the benefit of patients and their families.
The eight-bed building at Knocknamona is currently undergoing some necessary refurbishment which will add significantly to the 20% annual running costs the hospice has to provide to the HSE for the building.
As well as a dedicated management and medical team, the hospice has six Palliative Care Nurse Specialists working in the community, helping patients and their families in homes across the county.
This year’s event was officially launched on Thursday by Shaun Doherty (Far left), a Patron of Donegal Hospice. (Donegal Hospice Facebook)
The demand for this service is continuing to grow year-on-year. Speaking at the launch, patron, Shaun Doherty, made a special appeal to make this year’s Coffee Morning the ‘biggest ever’ in Donegal.
“The hospice means a lot to me personally, and through family experience, and I know it means so much to many people across Donegal who have encountered the work of the hospice, through a family member or friend.
“When you encounter the hospice and see the work of the people here, and the care and love, you want to help the hospice.
“Let’s make this year’s Coffee Morning, the biggest and best ever, to help raise funds for the ongoing work of the Donegal Hospice. Anybody can organise a Coffee Morning, whether it is in a workplace, home, garden school, community organisation or group – make it a novel event.
“So, please contact Isobel Doherty, at the Donegal Hospice, who has the pack and the posters for
this special event and support the great work of the Donegal Hospice.
The hospice is currently busy undergoing a refurbishment and there are also further plans for a four-bed extension
to the building.
“We are always exploring ways to improve the service to patients and their families,” Isobel Doherty
said.
“Whether it is through homecare packages, respite for parents, or providing specialist care, we
always want to help people. Nobody is turned away. We are currently exploring the development of
services and especially around Paediatric Cancer Care too,” she added.
Elizabeth Mehaffy, from Castlefin, has helped organise a Coffee Morning every year since 1996.
She said: “My father, Alexander Patterson, passed away that year, and since then I’ve been helping the
Donoughmore Ladies organise a fundraising Coffee Morning.
“It is a great way to help give something back to the hospice for the tremendous work they do every
day.
“It is a great way to spend quality time with family, friends and neighbours,” she added.
Anyone who wants further information about hosting a Coffee Morning can do so by contacting Isobel Doherty, Administrator, Donegal Hospice on 074-91-25656) or email isobel.doherty@hse.ie.
Everyone who signs up to host a Coffee Morning will receive a free welcome pack filled with
promotional materials and most importantly, coffee.
You can view the Donegal Hospice Facebook page here.
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