Covers chairman Rupert Green has spoken of his delight after it was revealed that the builders merchants have raised more than £30,000 for 11 hospices including St. Wilfrid’s.
Covers held its third Help for Hospices Week in September and Mr Green said: “We’re delighted to have raised so much for this important cause, and I thank all our customers, staff and hospice representatives who helped make this achievement possible.”
Alisa Lakeman-Ford from the fundraising department at St Wilfrid’s helped co-ordinate the event said: “We are tremendously grateful for the time, energy and money committed by Covers to help us provide our vital services and make such a difference to the lives of local people.”
A whole host of events were staged to help raise money. A spokesman explained: “To get the week off to a mouth-wateringly good start, all Covers depots took part in the Great Builders Bake Off with volunteers from St Wilfrid’s joining Covers staff at the Chichester depot to sell an array of delicious homemade cakes and biscuits. Entertainer and St Wilfrid’s supporter Dawn Gracie was on hand to judge the contest, which was won by Trish with her wonderful butterfly sponge.
“Fundraising for St Wilfrid’s continued with the sale of bacon rolls. Throughout the week Covers donated £5 for each registered customer that made a purchase in their stores, and raffle tickets were on sale with prizes include a £500 Covers Home Improvements voucher.
“The grand prize draw took place at Covers Home Ideas in Chichester, with the winner drawn by local actor Christopher Timothy. Representatives from six of the 11 hospices were present and it was confirmed to all that the target of £30,000 had been exceeded, generously helped by its own generous contribution of £20,000.”
*St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides tailored end-of-life care both in the community and at the hospice, supporting patients living with a terminal illness, and their family and friends. Only 15 per cent of the running costs are currently met by the NHS and they rely on the community to fund the remainder, which equates to just over £7.5 million each year. You can find out more information at www.stwh.co.uk or by calling 01243 775302.
