While it’s supposed to be joyful, Christmas can be a difficult time of year - especially for those who are missing someone special, or those who know this Christmas will be their loved one’s last.
By Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager
The Ayrshire Hospice is currently seeking a Lottery Canvasser to join its existing team to help raise funds for our patient care in Ayrshire and Arran. In 2022, £471,941 was collected from the Ayrshire Hospice Lottery which went directly towards patient care and that amount was raised thanks to the work of a small band that promotes the weekly prize draw. Current Lottery Canvasser, Ron Swanson Snr, finds the role extremely rewarding. He said “The role of an Ayrshire Hospice
Canvasser is stimulating, motivating and rewarding. Knowing that your efforts and drive are making a meaningful and sustainable difference and contributing to the ongoing care and loving support provided by the Hospice is so personally motivating.” The work of a Lottery Canvasser is to encourage membership of the Ayrshire Hospice Lottery and the work of the Hospice to the general public. Canvassers travel throughout Ayrshire, both door-to- door and at various venues/events to sign up members to an Ayrshire Hospice Lottery subscription, via Direct Debit. The working hours of a Lottery Canvasser are flexible and
can be agreed with the Hospice fundraising team. The role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves working with people and in sales, with competitive commission rates on offer and access to the fundraising team who will be on hand to support you every step of the way.
Anyone interested should contact Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager on 01292 288488 or email ron. swanson@ayrshirehospice. org to apply or for further information.
One of those patients the Specialist Palliative Care Nursing team looked after was Tom . His story has been generously shared by his daughter, Julie. Tom and Julie’s story describes the invaluable support and assistance provided by the various services and care teams that enabled Tom to live fully and comfortably until his passing in May. In 2022, our Specialist Palliative Care Nurses supported 946 individuals and their families across Ayrshire and Arran.
Could you help us give the gift of exceptional palliative and end-of-life care this Christmas? If this year’s appeal can raise £20,000, we will be able to transform this Christmas for our patients and families. For some of them, it will be their last together. We can’t thank you enough for helping us to light up their lives. Anything you are able to kindly give will be gratefully received by all of our staff and patients across the Hospice, and will really help us make many families’ last Christmas together special and comfortable.
Gifts in Wills
By Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager
Gifts in Wills make a huge difference to Ayrshire Hospice patients and their families. One in three patients cared for last year was helped by contributions from 51 supporters who left a gift in their Will to the organisation.
By remembering the Ayrshire Hospice in your Will, your legacy will be much more than just giving a donation. You’ll be helping to provide care and support to local people for generations to come. It means that years from now, the Hospice will be here to help those in need of care and support when it matters most. A gift in your Will is an incredible way to leave a lasting legacy as leaving even 1% of your estate to
the Hospice makes a real difference to families affected by life-limiting illness.
If you would like to talk about including the Hospice or leaving a gift in your Will, please contact Lucy or Ron 01292 288488 or email donate@ayrshirehospice.org
Read more about Tom and Julie’s story overleaf.
There will be many more families like Tom’s who need the Hospice to help them face a life-limiting illness this winter, and for some, this might even be their last Christmas together. The Ayrshire Hospice, a vital community resource, can help make their Christmas extra special and comfortable – through care at home, in the community, or in our In-Patient Unit – but not without your support.
Please turn to the donation form at the back of this newsletter, go to www. ayrshirehospice.org/light-up-a-life-2023, or simply scan the QR code to the right.
December 2023 | EDITION 35
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