This past year, with fundraisers cancelled, charity shops shut and collection days called off, charity organisations across the country have been hit quite hard and are struggling more than ever.
That’s why we couldn’t be more delighted to hear about this new virtual campaign, which supports hospice and home care services. ‘Together for Hospice’, the National Hospice Movement, has launched a ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’. This online space has been created for people to dedicate a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one, whilst helping to raise much-needed funds for local hospice and home care services throughout the country this June.
The ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’ campaign has been launched to raise funds for Hospice Sunflower Days, whilst also recognising the difficult year families and communities have faced. Together, 26 hospices nationwide have joined to provide an online space where loved ones can be remembered and precious memories celebrated, reminding us that we are not alone.
The virtual sunflower remembrance garden will run for the full month of June 2021. During this month, members of the public are invited to dedicate a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one and make a donation to their local hospice at www.togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays. These dedications can be shared with friends or family members to let them know they are in your thoughts, with every euro raised going directly to the local hospice service.
Speaking about the new campaign, Broadcaster and Sunflower Days Ambassador, Mary Kennedy, commented, “I am delighted once again to support Hospice Sunflower Days for this year’s Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden. During this difficult time it is more important than ever to show our support for one another and for hospice and home care services throughout the country. Together we can make a real difference to those in hospice care and their families, so I encourage everyone to log onto the website and dedicate a virtual sunflower this June.”
The initiative was prompted by the cancellation of the annual Hospice Sunflower Days on-street collection for the second year in a row, and the devastating impact of Covid-19 on Hospices nationwide and their ability to fundraise. Hospice Sunflower Days is slightly different this year, so be sure to keep an eye out for your local hospice’s activities for more information on what is happening throughout Hospice Sunflower Days this June.
Across Ireland, Hospices need to raise approximately €20million each year and all funds raised will directly support your local hospice, enabling them to continue to provide person-centred, holistic and loving care to patients and their loved ones free of charge. For more information and details of your local hospice and homecare service log onto www.togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays.
