Film opening chance to help Hospice

Regent Cinemas is hosting its annual Ballarat Hospice Care fundraiser with the premiere screening of A Star is Born on
Thursday, 18 October and its bound to be a smash hit.

ALL funds raised from tickets sold for the session will go towards the frontline services provided by the hospice.

“It means the world to us, not only the generosity of Regent Cinemas but also the connection with community,” said Executive Officer of Ballarat Hospice Care Carita Clancy.

“They’ve supported us for years and we’ve raised anywhere between $13,000 and $20,000 each year. That has a direct impact on our service delivery.”

This incarnation of A Star is Born will be the fourth time the story has made it to the silver screen.

Directed by, and starting Bradly Cooper, the film also features Lady Gaga, and Dave Chappelle and is getting rave reviews with a 90 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes All money raised from ticket sales enables the Hospice to provide ongoing palliative care across an 8300sqkm are and four municipalities.

The in-home service provided by the Hospice allows patients who are receiving end of life care to get that care in the most appropriate way possible.

Regent Cinemas has been supporting the Ballarat Hospice Care for a number of years and the money matters, as even though the Hospice receives funding from the Department of Human Services, there’s always more work to be done.

One year the funds raised went towards helping purchase a vehicle so staff could get out and see patients, another year it might have enabled a nurse to work an extra shift, or help buy equipment.

“We’ve always relied on this money from the movie night to contribute to service delivery,” Ms Clancy said. “And it will always go to that.”

Regent Cinemas support for the Hospice is deeper than just one event a year, it’s born from an appreciation for the work of the organisation by the business’ owners, Stephen and Sue Anderson.

Hospice staff often refer patients and their families to the cinema for some escape time and Ms Clancy said it’s always appreciated.

Regent Cinemas spokesperson John Bourke said cinema staff are more than happy to be a part of helping people have fun.

“Wherever possible, Carita and her team, if they feel they’d like give someone a leg up and look after them, maybe give them a couple of hours of relief or respite, we always facilitate that here at the theatre,” he said.

“We’ll look after the family, do a private screening in Gold Class. It doesn’t fix the problem, but it might help the family.”

When the unfortunate happens, and a patient involved with the Hospice passes away, an ongoing 12-month care plan for those left behind can see the Regent throwing open its doors again, welcoming and helping those who are grieving.

“We’ll continue that after the event as well,” Mr Bourke said. “Care doesn’t stop at death.”

The Regent Cinemas premiere of A Star is Born is set for Thursday, 18 October a 6.30pm.

Tickets are $20 and sell out fast. They can be purchased from the Ballarat Hospice Care main office at 312 Drummond Street South, Ballarat.

Phone 5333 1118 for more information.

Along with the screening there’ll be a charity auction and raffles.