BiP Solutions raises £15,000 for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice
15 September 2009
Leading supply chain specialist BiP Solutions has presented a cheque for just over £15,000 to local Glasgow charity, The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice (PPWH), after months of fundraising activity by BiP employees.
2009 is a landmark year for BiP as it celebrates its 25 th anniversary. With corporate social responsibility (CSR) an integral part of BiP’s values, the company chose to mark this milestone by challenging itself to raise an apt £25,000 for PPWH, through a mix of employee and company activities.
The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice provides specialist palliative care and comfort for people with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families and carers, serving as a haven for many in the most difficult stages of their lives. However, the Hospice faces a constant financial challenge with £2.5m of voluntary donations needed each year simply to stay open. Consequently, it relies heavily on donations from companies such as BiP to continue its vital work.
BiP Solutions’ CEO Ron Burges said: "BiP is passionate about its core values and principles and about contributing to our local community. The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice is an example of these same values and it’s a privilege for us to adopt an organisation that holds such an important place in our community. Unfortunately, most of our lives are likely to be touched by a loved one in need of palliative care at some point. Hopefully, the sum we raise will make a small difference to people when they face the most vulnerable and difficult time of their lives."
BiP staff have relished the challenge of supporting the hospice, coming up with an eclectic array of innovative fundraising ideas, including participating in 10k races and braving a zip line ride across the River Clyde. One female employee even shaved off her hair, raising £760 in the process. Currently, only three quarters of the way through 2009, BiP is well on track towards reaching its £25,000 goal and, with plenty of further fundraising activities in the pipeline, the staff are determined to succeed in their mission.
On receiving the cheque Jo Parker-Morgan, Corporate Fundraiser for the PPWH, said: “This is an incredible amount of money BiP has raised for the hospice, and we are so grateful.
“With £2.5m of voluntary donations required each year just to keep our doors open, fundraising by companies like BiP is absolutely imperative to maintaining the quality of care our terminally ill patients and their families receive.
“A specific example of a scheme which could directly benefit from BiP’s funding is our new children’s bereavement project, which provides special support, activities and facilities for grieving children during and after the illness and loss of a parent or relative.”
For information on the Prince and Princess of Wales hospice, visit www.ppwh.org.uk
