Providing grants and support to the local community, The Hare Foundation, a charity set up by South West brewer Bath Ales, has donated £5,000 to St Peter’s Hospice in Bristol.
The funds donated to Bristol’s only adult hospice, will help towards the work the charity does to improve the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, as well as to offer comfort and guidance for their loved ones.
Drawing on the help of Bath Ales’ staff, customers and suppliers to raise funds, The Hare Foundation combines all of the staff’s fundraising efforts to accumulate money for local charities and projects.
To raise money, the business has organised many charitable events such as sponsored bike rides, cake sales and dress-down Fridays.
Substantial donations were received from the Bath Ales-owned Graze Bar & Chophouses in the South West, from customers generously adding to the funds when paying for their food or drinks.
Karin Ashwell, trustee of the Hare Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to help St Peter’s Hospice. After a visit to the centre in Brentry, the trustees all agreed that the work the Hospice does for, and with, local families is fantastic.
“There is a real sense of warmth and caring, and the hospice couldn’t survive without the help from the many volunteers and donations.
“This is the first donation the Hare Foundation has made and we hope to be able to help many more charities, albeit in a modest way, in the future.”
Money donated by the Hare Foundation will go directly towards the PSS (Psychological, Social, Spiritual) Team, who support the whole family through the difficult journey of diagnosis, illness and bereavement.
Julie Francis, who heads up the team at St Peter’s Hospice, said: “When terminally ill patients come to us, it isn’t just medical care they receive; emotional and psychological support is vital to help them manage the shock and grief that comes from a diagnosis.
“To have been given this donation is wonderful. The money received will go towards helping our team offer grief and bereavement support for patients and anyone involved in their care, including partners, children, grandchildren and siblings.
“Because every patient and family is different, we provide a varied approach, depending on what they need, from one-to-one sessions, art and music therapy, to group work and spiritual care.”
Sarah Pryer, St Peter’s Hospice trust fundraiser, added: “It costs around £90,000 to offer this support for just one year and all our services are free.
“We are very grateful for any donation, no matter how small, as we rely on this to keep the service open.
“To have been the chosen charity by the Hare Foundation is fantastic, especially in this National Hospice Care Week, which aims to raise awareness of hospice care across the UK.”
To be considered for a grant, charities in selected sectors can apply for funding to support new projects and initiatives.
For more information, visit www.theharefoundation.org.
