Press Release
November 2007
Hospice appeals to Business Community to give
the gift of Hospice care this year!!
Without doubt, many businesses have started to think obout Christmas- the office party, the Christmas Card List (hoping not to forget anyone of course) and the endless list of gifts to buy for customers, suppliers and staff. At this busy time of the year, why not break the tradition and do something ver special for the patients needing the care of the Hospice this Christmas? We can guarantee that it will be so much easier than sitting in queues of traffic, hurrying to get those last few tins of roses or that last bottle of whiskey.
Southern Area Hospice Services provides a range of gift options- from paying for a counselling programme for patients or providing nursing care. In exchange for the appropriate donation you will recieve a gift certificate, which you can then give as a gift to staff or suppliers.
Fiona Stephens, Corporate Fundraiser for Southern Area Hospice Services said:
" Many companies have been doing this for several years now and it makes such a difference to us and those in our care. Newry Building Supplies, QMAC construction, TFK group, Baird Transport etc. are all companies who have been delighted to help us care for local people in this way."
There are alternative ways to support your local Hospice this Christmas such as:
- Purchasing from our extensive range of corporate Christmas cards
- Making a donation in lieu of gifts to customers
- Adopting Southern Area Hospice Services as your Charity of the Year for 2008.
Rhona Quinn, Company Director of QMAC Construction in Dungannon, is asking suppliers this Christmas to make a donation to Hospice rather than giving gifts. Rhona stated:
"People are incredibly generous and it is always much appreciated but this year we are suggesting that donations are given to the Hospice where this will be put to excellent use. I would urge other companies to do likewise and help patients living with cancer and other life limiting illnesses this Christmas and in 2008!"
For more information on how corporates can help the Hospice Click here or please contact Fiona Stephens on (028) 3025 1333.
Press Release
2007
Charity of the Year Partnerships
In 2006 and 2007 Autoline Insurance Group made the Southern Area Hospice Services their chosen charity of the year, to benefit from staff and company fundraiaing activities. The independent insurance group, based in Newry, has supported the Hospice's annual "Win a Mini for £1" campaign for the last two years by donating free insurance to the winner. They also sponsored the Hospice Calender for 2007 and four members of staff cycled the Co-operation Ireland Border Trek 2006 in aid of the Southern Area Hospice Services. Staff activities this year included a dress-down day, Caroline Wade ran the Belfast Marathon in 2007 raising £600 and Roisin Graham will take part in Trek Mexico in November 2007 which will raise £3,500.
Speaking about working with a charity Managing Director Michael Blaney said:
"It is important for us all to realise we can play a part in supporting a local charity like the Hospice. Autoline Insurance Group has raised money for a number of charities through various activities in previous years and we feel that by combing our efforts to work with one organisation this year, we can make agreater contribution".
Press Release
2007
Portadown Rotary Club present proceeds of Golf
Tournament to Hospice
The members of the Portadown Rotary Club held a very successful golf tournament in Portadown Golf Club in June and presented Fiona Stephens, Corporate Fundraiser with a cheque for £1,000 towards Hospice care.
Press Release
2007
Bond raises £5K for Charities
Almost 400 guests attended Newry Junior Chamber's Bond themed Gala Ball, which raised £5,000 for local charities. Bond's Car of Choice an Aston Martin was parked at the main entrance to the Canal Court Hotel as a dice table offered guests the chance to win an Aston valued at £75K. There was a flurry of activity as the night wore on with gamblers parting with their cash in attempt to throw seven 6's and win the dream car.
On the night, the car proved out of reach but the Southern Area Hospice Services, Simon Community, NI Children's Hospice and Women's Aid benefited from the £5,000 raised through the table and the prize raffle which delivered glamorous prizes. Southern Area Hospice Services would like to thank the Junior Chamber of Commerce for choosing us as one of their charities.
Press Release
May 2007
50 Miles for 50 Years
Newry Postman Martin McDonald wanted to do something special to mark his 50th birthday and came up with the idea of walking a mile for every year of his life. Martin and many of his friends had heard about the very special care given to local patients by the Southern Area Hospice and so it was decided that the hospice would receive all money raised.
Martin walked the 50 miles over two days - on the 1st and 2nd of December last year. His wife Teresa accompanied him and thanks to the support and goodwill of his friends, family and customers, over £13,000 was raised. With Royal Mail matched funding the hospice will receive £26,000. As a result of his fantastic efforts, Martin was nominated for “Postman of the Year” in the Northern Ireland region under the category of fundraising. He attended a gala award ceremony in London in March recently. Speaking on behalf of Southern Area Hospice Services, Fiona Stephens, Corporate Fundraiser said,
“We are absolutely delighted with Martin’s success. The partnership with Royal Mail is one which we value and we hope that many more employees will follow in his footsteps and help us raise funds to care for local people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. “
Faced with a fundraising target of £1.8 million, we rely heavily on our local community for funds. Southern Area Hospice Services provides hospice care in Newry & Mourne, Banbridge & Craigavon and Armagh & Dungannon at no cost to the patient.” If you or your colleagues need any advice & support, please do not hesitate to contact Fiona on (028) 3025 1333.
Press Release
April 2007
Morton Newspapers
Southern Area Hospice Services were delighted to be associated with Morton Group Newspapers and Group News Editor Damien Wilson during their “Hospice Week” promotion. In November 2006 the Tyrone Times, Banbridge Leader, Portadown Times and Lurgan Mail all ran hospice features. These included detailed information on hospice services and a focus on local fundraising efforts. This had a huge impact on raising awareness about our work. Five pence from each paper sold was donated to hospice culminating in a total of £1,327.65 from the Morton Group.
500 Club Lunch
On Wednesday 13 December 2006 the hospice held business lunch at the Community Relations Building in The Linen Green at Moygashel. Local businesses that signed up to the 500 Club were in attendance to hear from Majella Gollogly, Fundraising Manager, about the services the hospice provides. The raffle for the £1,000 holiday voucher was made and the winner was Mr Edward Donnelly of Car & Commercial Components in Dungannon.
The good news is that the 500 Club is being expanded so watch out for your opportunity to join and become one of our 500 Club members who annually support the work of the hospice with a £100 donation! Together we can make a difference for people living with advanced cancer and life limiting illnesses.
For further information contact Fiona Stephens, Corporate Fundraiser on (028) 3025 1333 or e-mail
stephensf@southernareahospiceservices.org
Hospice Appeals to Business Community...
In 2007 Royal Mail, Argos and First Trust Bank will all be fundraising for hospice alongside many other local businesses. With a target of £1.7 million we would love to work with you and your employees to make an even bigger difference to those local people who need our care. There are many ways in which you can support the hospice:
- By sponsoring a room
- By becoming a silver, gold or platinum donor
- By sponsoring an event
- Gifts in kind
- Asking employees to play the hospice weekly lottery
- By Joining our 500 Club
For further information contact Fiona Stephens on (028) 3025 1333 or e-mail to stephensf@southernareahospiceservices.org.
Press
Release
6th June 2006
Food for thought with Billy Dixon
at the Hospice Ladies Luncheon
The ladies lunch is considered one of the highlights
in Newry and Mourne social calendar and with many previous
attendees returning once again this year, is something
many local ladies have certainly been looking forward
to for previous weeks. Glamour was the name of the game,
with around 200 ladies digging out their glad rags for
the special occasion.
The 2006 Southern Area Hospice Services (SAHS) Ladies
Luncheon, which has been generously sponsored by the
Canal Court Hotel, took place on the 25th of April.
Mrs Deirdre Murdock, Personnel Manager from Weight Watchers
Northern Ireland acted as the fabulous hostess for the
luncheon.
The Luncheon proceedings commenced at 12.00 Noon with
a Buck Fizz Drinks Reception where the ladies were given
a chance to catch up with old friends, business colleagues
and of course meet new people followed by a sumptuous
five-course meal. This followed by a grand raffle that
consisted of several marvellous prizes from bottle of
whiskey to vouchers from various shops in the city.
This year’s luncheon introduced the fabulous Mr
Billy Dixon as the Guest of Honour. He is a regular
face on television and leader in the field of Personal
Marketing, which includes image and body language.
Billy is one of Europe’s foremost authorities
on image, with an international reputation. He works
with individual members of the public, politicians,
T.V. personalities, sports personalities and business
people. Billy will be discussing body language and personal
marketing and how what we wear conveys an image to those
around us. With Billy’s impressive credentials
it was without doubt that the sole male guest at the
otherwise female dominated luncheon was going to prove
a sure-fire hit. His talk, which saw many ladies reaching
for a pencil to jot down a few notes, began with Dixon’s
tips on how to present yourself with confidence.
“If you are
a nice, open person and friendly looking then you are
inclined to get that back from other people, you set
the scene”, he pointed out.
According to Mr Dixon everyone is giving himself or
herself away by the way they present themselves, from
the colour of their clothes to how firm their handshake
is. Offering hints on how to appear more confident he
then spoke about posture, how people should walk, eye
contact, their smile, handshake and finally the tone
of their voice. Mr Dixon had a note of caution for the
ladies, pointing out that femininity goes a long way.
Mr Dixon stated:
“In the 1980s and
1990’s women thought they had to act like men
to be successful and men felt threatened and held them
back but the most successful women in the world today
used their femininity”
A highlight of the talk was when Mr Dixon switched
his attention to image and how to dress and look your
best with tips on how to choose the right clothes and
colours.
Mr Dixon advised:
“curvy ladies
to never wear checks. Squared off or very sharp tailoring
does not suit a curvy lady, wear softer styles and softer
fabrics with softer handbags and jewellery. A straighter
figure suits angles and the squared off jacket but always
look as if you have a waist otherwise it can look too
masculine”.
Using images of how Hollywood celebrities can get it
right or wrong Mr Dixon also spoke about break lines
which refer to where the garment stops. He encouraged
guests to “ always
check where your break lines are, e.g. if your skirt
or trousers stop at the thickest part of your leg they
will make legs look shorter and fatter”.
The event drew to a close
with all present having made positive comments about
having enjoyed the delicious meal, the informative talk
and most importantly each other’s company. All
monies raised at the ladies luncheon will go towards
helping the Southern Area Hospice Services reach its
momentous fundraising target of £1.7million this
year.
Southern Area Hospice Services cares for people with
terminal illnesses living in the Southern Health and
Social Services Board Area which includes Newry &
Mourne, Banbridge, Craigavon, Armagh and Dungannon.
Our Hospice provides an invaluable support in a number
of ways, including in-patient unit, our dedicated day
care unit at St. Johns House in Newry, home care services,
out-patient care, patient helpline and bereavement support
to patients and their families.
Fiona Stephens, Corporate
Fundraiser for Southern Area Hospice Services, said:
“We are absolutely
delighted with the success of the Ladies Lunch and would
like to thank everyone who attended. A huge thanks to
the Canal Court Hotel without whose help the function
would not take place. Finally thanks to all the companies
and individuals who donated prizes for the raffle on
the day”.
Press Release
3rd May 2006
HOSPICE CARE AT HOME NI BANKING ON FIRST TRUST
First Trust Bank in a unique
partnership with Northern Ireland’s four independent
hospices is investing in Hospice Care at Home NI for
local adults and children with life threatening and
life limiting illnesses. An initial kick starting donation
by the bank staff charity fund of over £40,000
is paving the way for the local hospices, Northern Ireland
Hospice Care, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice,
Southern Area Hospice Services and Foyle Hospice.
Geoff Hooks, Regional Director South, First Trust Bank,
is delighted to be associated with the new partnership.
“First Trust Bank’s
ongoing commitment over the next year to the Hospice
Care at Home NI charity partnership will allow the 4
local hospices, that collectively provide care to over
5,000 patients, to continue to provide and grow the
service. Hospice Care at Home NI is a cause that many
people can associate with and one which we know will
grow from strength to strength following on from our
involvement.”
Demand for hospice care at home is increasing due to
a number of factors. Primarily terminally ill patients
when offered the choice will choose to be cared for
at home. In addition people are living longer, and diseases
such as chronic respiratory and heart disease, Parkinson’s
Disease and cancer are ever more prevalent in society.
The charity partnership will offer an opportunity to
grow the service as well as supporting hospice nurse
specialists who provide care services to patients as
well as support to their families in their own homes.
Fiona Stephens, Corporate Fundraiser, Southern Area
Hospice Services highlighted the difference First Trust
Bank staff charity fund will make to the charity partnership,
Hospice Care at Home NI.
“Caring for more
patients in the home will require more funding. The
support we get from First Trust Bank’s employees
will enable local hospices to invest in home care and
help even more families. This is the first time the
four local independent hospices have worked together
in partnership with a local private sector partner and
we are very excited about the prospects.”
Hospice care is provided
free of charge to patients and their families. A multi
professional approach involves medical, social, spiritual
and emotional acre and is available 24 hours a day,
every day of the year either in hospice or in the patients
own home.
Press Release
May 2006
Sincere Thanks to First Trust
First Trust Bank Staff Charity Fund has chosen to support
Hospice Care at Home N.I and aim to raise £100K.
The proceeds will be shared by local independent hospices,
Northern Ireland Hospice, Southern Area Hospices and
Foyle Hospice. Fiona Stephens, Southern Area Hospice
Services Corporate Fundraiser, stated:
“It is wonderful
to see the team spirit and enthusiasm of the staff of
First Trust as they face this challenge. First Trust
are determined to reach this amazing target of £100K
which will greatly benefit all the hospices in Northern
Ireland. Southern Area Hospice Services would like to
thank First Trust for choosing to help Hospice Care”.
Press
Release
March 2006
Stars Support the Hospice 500 Club Campaign in Co.
Tyrone
Fiona Stephens, Corporate Fundraiser at Southern Area
Hospice Services, (SAHS) with Ireland and Ulster rugby
star Tyrone Howe and Tyrone GAA All-star, Sean Cavanagh.
The two sports stars have pledged their support to the
Hospice 500 Club, a campaign in Co.Tyrone by SAHS, which
aims to raise £50,000 by inviting 500 businesses
in the area to make a donation of £100 each to
the hospice services in the Southern Health Board Area.
SAHS runs an out-patients clinic at South Tyrone Hospital
in Dungannon and helps people affected by cancer and
other terminal illnesses and their families. Entry Forms
for Hospice 500 have been sent out to businesses in
the area and can also be obtained by contacting Fiona
on (028) 3025 1333.
Press Release
7Th February 2006
Bop Till You Drop is another fabulous
success for the fourth year
On Monday 6th February 2006 the fourth
Bop till U Drop concert took place in the Canal Court
Hotel organised by Magill Entertainments raising a whopping
£7,288.36. Pictured are Susan McCann and Philomena
Begley who appeared on stage on the night.
Magill Entertainments have raised a staggering £63,362
for the hospice since the first Bop till U Drop in 2003.
A big thank you to the Magill Family, the Canal Court
Hotel, to all the musicians, television and radio celebrities
who gave of their time freely and everyone who helped
from all of us at Southern Area Hospice Services. Watch
out for details of next year’s event – it’s
a night to remember!
Press Release
2005
Hospice Recycling Campaign
Mobile phones, PDAs, inkjet printer cartridges, laser
cartridges – if your item falls into any of these
categories we’ll take it!!
Printer Cartridges...Toner and inkjet cartridges are
found in the millions of printers, fax machines and
desktop copiers around the UK. More than 1 billion ink
cartridges are used each year around the world –
most are thrown away. What happens to the cartridges
you use?
The Recycling Appeal accepts most cartridges, but the
value of each cartridge depends on its quality. We cannot
currently recycle broken cartridges, toner bottles,
ribbon cartridges and Epson ink jet cartridges.
Mobile Phones...
As of February 2005, there are officially more mobile
phones than people in the UK. 78% of the UK population
currently own at least one mobile phone, and research
shows phones are upgraded every 18 months on average.
How many old mobiles do you have hiding in your drawers
and cupboards?
There are literally hundreds of different mobile phones
available and the Recycling Appeal accepts all makes
and models.
PDAs...Personal Digital Assistants, Palm Pilots, Blackberries – in our increasingly wired world, the variety
of communication tools available changes quickly. If
you’re keeping up with the latest technology,
you can use your old products to support your choice
of Recycling Appeal. All types of PDAs are accepted - units complete with
battery and charger command higher values.
Please contact Fiona Stephens on (028) 3025 1333 if
you wish to register for this scheme or know of any
other businesses who might sign up.
Press Release
December 2005
Argos helping Hospices helping families
Argos Stores throughout the UK have teamed up with their
local hospices for a two-year partnership during which
Argos staff hope to raise much-needed funds for hospice
care.
Argos, as part of its commitment to the local community,
has chosen the hospice movement as its nominated charity
– since hospices provide their special care in
the very heart of the communities which Argos serves.
”We are delighted
to be working with Argos staff and that our range of
Hospice Christmas Cards are currently on sale in Argos
shops. More and more businesses are focusing on corporate
social responsibility and in putting something back.
The lives of so many local people have been touched
by the care the hospice provides. Today is an opportunity
to make people aware of this and to officially launch
our partnership!”
The stores which have been twinned with Southern Area
Hospice Services are: Newry (The Quays), Newry (Merchant’s
Quay), Armagh, High Street Mall Portadown, Dungannon
and Argos at Rushmere, Craigavon.
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