Fundraising efforts making a difference

Local hospice services continue to garner strong financial support from the wider community

The money was raised thanks to the inaugural Key 2 Kindness Charity Ball last year and at the end of last month that fundraising effort saw the cuddle bed, the project for which the proceeds were earmarked, being installed in the Mount Gambier Hospital palliative care ward.

The charity ball was supported by 135 people and easily exceeded its original target of $25,000 by easily topping the $30,000 mark.

Key 2 Sale Real Estate is the business that set up the Key 2 Kindness Foundation and principal Gail Richards and business development manager Ali Villani were on hand to see the cuddle bed in its new home.

The Key 2 Kindness Charity Ball had a specific goal – $25,000 for the purchase of a cuddle bed (pictured right) – and they exceeded that goal, easily topping the $30,000 mark.

“The charity ball was our first of many missions to provide greater services within our hospital, ensure we can continue the In-Home Palliative Care Service and one day in the future secure government funding for our own local hospice,” Gail said. “Our loved ones, experiencing terminal illness and end of life care, deserve the very best of facilities regardless of where we live.”

The In Home Hospice Care (IHHC) Mount Gambier, which is currently desperately searching for a sustainable funding stream to continue servicing its clients, has also enjoyed a boost courtesy of a fundraising afternoon tea held at the end of last month. Lois Bayre, who is the unofficial queen of fundraising afternoon teas, having long been the force behind the Biggest Morning Tea event in Mount Gambier, turned her attention to the local hospice service and the result was outstanding.

The event, which was held at Casadio Park and included a fashion parade and auction, raised almost $11,000.

HOSPICE AFTERNOON TEA FUNDRAISER: Organisers Maureen Klintberg & Lois Bayre and (bottom left) a packed casadio park enjoys the fashion parade.

CUDDLE BED PRESENTATION: Director of Nursing Karen Hales (Director of Nursing); Key 2 Sale principal Gail Richards & Key 2 Sale business development manager Ali Villani