Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, this week launched a ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’. This online space has been created for people to dedicate a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one, whilst helping to raise much-needed funds for local hospice and home care services throughout the country this June.
The ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’ campaign has been launched to raise funds for Hospice Sunflower Days, whilst also recognising the difficult year families and communities have faced.
Together, 26 hospices nationwide, including Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, have joined to provide an online space where loved ones can be remembered and precious memories celebrated, reminding us that we are not alone.
The virtual sunflower remembrance garden, will run for the full month of June 2021. During the month, members of the public are invited to dedicate a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one and make a donation to their local hospice at www.togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays
These dedications can be shared with friends or family members to let them know they are in your thoughts, with every euro raised going directly to the local hospice service.
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, explained: "Sunflower Days didn’t happen in 2020 due to Covid 19. Due to the ongoing challenges faced by the pandemic we are trying a new initiative this year.
"We have been amazed and so grateful for the continued support from the people of Mayo and Roscommon throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and we ask that if you can, you support this unique Sunflower Day Campaign this year.
"We have continued to fund Palliative Care Services in the community, as well as building our Roscommon Hospice, which will be completed later this year. Every cent raised locally through this campaign stays local."
The initiative was prompted by the cancellation of the annual Hospice Sunflower Days on-street collection for the second year in a row, and the devastating impact of Covid-19 on hospices nationwide and their ability to fundraise.
Hospice Sunflower Days is slightly different this year, so be sure to keep an eye out for your local hospice’s activities for more information.
Coordinated by Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, this new remembrance campaign aims to raise much needed funds for hospice and specialist palliative home care services nationwide. Across Ireland, Hospices need to raise approximately €20 million each year and all funds raised will directly support your local hospice, enabling them to continue to provide person-centred, holistic and loving care to patients and their loved ones free of charge.
For more information and details of your local hospice and home care service, log onto www.togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays
