Royal Trinity Hospice Launches Urgent Appeal
After temporary closure last week of their 32 London-based shops
Royal Trinity Hospice has launched an urgent appeal for funds after the temporary closure last week of its 32 London-based shops and the cancellation of all planned fundraising activities for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The hospice is urging supporters in the communities it serves across all of Wandsworth and parts of Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Merton, Hammersmith & Fulham, Lambeth and Richmond upon Thames to come to its aid as it prepares to see a £3 million funding shortfall over the next three months.
Over 200 donors have already contributed since the appeal was launched on Friday, raising over £40,000.
In addition to several sporting and challenge events being cancelled or rescheduled, the charity has been forced to cancel the Wandsworth Friends of Royal Trinity Hospice Summer Garden Party, an annual event organised by a volunteer committee which last year raised £87,000.
Trinity’s successful chain of charity shops, whose income last year accounted for 57% of the £15 million it costs to run Trinity annually, had seen a significant decline in footfall in the last two weeks before a decision was made to close them on Thursday 19 March, for the safety of customers, staff and volunteers.
Dallas Pounds, Chief Executive said: “The stark reality is that the future of Trinity is at stake. We are facing dramatic cuts to the level of support and care we can offer. We are calling on our supporters and those in our local community to help ensure our survival.
“In the coming months, our doctors and nurses will be needed more than ever as the NHS faces the biggest challenge it has ever seen. The population of 750,000 Londoners for whom we are the only provider of specialist end of life and palliative care will need our support and expertise.
“Through careful management and good governance, we have some contingencies, but these will not keep us open indefinitely. As always, our incredible staff and volunteers are rising to the challenge and I cannot thank them, and our Board of Trustees, enough for their commitment and for proving once again why it is such a privilege to lead this incredible charity.
“I am overwhelmed at the level of support we have seen in the two days since launching the campaign but the fact is, we must raise more. I am appealing to our local community to help us today so we can continue to be here for patients and their families for years to come.”
To donate to Trinity’s appeal, please visit www.royaltrinityhospice.london/urgent-appeal
March 24, 2020