Adverse weather could cost hospices

20 December 2010

Keech Hospice Care is urging people to make a donation as the adverse weather has halted its Christmas float collections and hit shop takings.

The charity has already missed out on an estimated £7-10,000 so far and is predicting further losses ahead.

Every year, Keech’s Santa and his Smiley Sam train visit local supermarkets and residential areas to collect money for the charity’s adult and children’s hospices. But, the recent snow and ice has stopped Smiley Sam leaving the hospice and the charity is unsure of when the Christmas float will be able to safely continue its rounds.

Fundraising Volunteer Coordinator, Maggie Doust, said: “We are sorry for all the families who have missed out on seeing Santa and his Smiley Sam train in their street or local supermarket. We are so disappointed to see the float grounded here at the hospice and have already missed out on £7,000 of Christmas donations since the snow fell. This could increase to over £10,000 if conditions don’t improve.

“The snow covered roads - including the lane to the hospice - have made it difficult to move the float safely and the icy pavements and freezing temperatures are too hazardous for the volunteers who collect alongside Smiley Sam.”

Keech Hospice Care’s income from shops is also expected to be down compared to normal; the charity is hoping that the weather conditions will quickly improve.

Keech’s Retail Manager, Philip Kojcinovic, explained: “Our shops have been very quiet as the cold and snow has kept people indoors. We were expecting to do particularly well over the weekend but Christmas shoppers were dwindling in numbers.” Donations of goods are needed as these have also declined – clear out those unwanted goods in time for Christmas! Donations can be delivered inside any Keech shop during opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm or to the warehouse on Britannia Estate, Leagrave Road, Visit www.keech.org.uk/shops for more details and shop locations. For larger items or loads, a free collection can be arranged by calling the warehouse on 0800 0323440, Monday to Friday.

The charity is asking local people to make any donation they can to the hospices to help make up this shortfall. Donations can be made online at www.keech.org.uk/donate and cheques, made payable to Keech Hospice Care, can be sent to:

The Fundraising Department
Keech Hospice Care
Great Bramingham Lane
Streatley
Luton
LU3 3NT