By donating goods or services to our hospices, companies are able to contribute in a way that is entirely relevant to their business. Many companies also find it more cost-effective to offer this type of ‘in-kind’ support rather than make a cash donation.
Gifts of this nature provide the hospice with invaluable equipment, technology and day-to-day goods that are necessary to run all our services, as well as prizes for us to use in fundraising raffles or auctions.
Some companies also offer their services free of charge to the hospices, for instance by running training courses for our staff or providing contractual legal advice. All of this reduces our overhead costs and allows us to spend more on what is important – taking care of our patients and their families.
Employees are able to get involved in donating goods by having a clear out for our charity shops. We have shops across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire that sell a wide range of goods from CDs and toys to clothing and bric-a-brac. Our shops make an important contribution to our annual income and so good quality goods are always welcome.
Ark Handling - are a handling and fulfilment business based in Bedford. At the end of many of the campaigns they run they are often left with spare products, which they kindly donate. To date (Oct 2010) they have donated over £25,000 worth of good to us.
These products range from 2,000 lunch boxes and packets of cereal to 1,000 toy penguins. Receiving this type of support is fantastic and we use these products in a variety of ways, from participant goody bags to gifts for our children.
Network Support Services - took part in the Accumulator Challenge in 2008. They raised over £800 and in addition donated a laptop. The laptop is now used by one of our Community Nurses, saving them a lot of time when it comes to keeping in touch and recording information.
To find out more about donating goods contact the Corporate Fundraising team by calling: 01582 707957 or emailing: corporate@keech.org.uk
