Dorset’s only children’s hospice charity has been given a cash boost thanks to the support of guests staying at one of Bournemouth’s top hotels.
Julia’s House which is dedicated to helping life-limited children and their families across Dorset and south Wiltshire has already received almost £2,000 from Hotel Miramar on the town’s East Cliff through their ‘£1 a bed campaign’.
Guests staying at the luxurious four star country house hotel are asked if they are willing to add just £1 to their bill to be donated to charity, which, for at least the next year, will be the Corfe Mullen hospice.
Laura Kelly, Julia’s House community fundraiser has been amazed by the donation, commenting “We were approached by the Hotel Miramar management team who told us they had selected us as their nominated charity for the year. We were astounded to receive such a big hearted donation, and thank the hotel and their guests so much for their generosity. We are always immensely grateful to all our community and corporate fundraisers, and this bedroom pledge just goes to show that every pound really does make a difference.”
Julia’s House receives just 5% of its total annual funding from the government, relying on public fundraising and donations for the remaining 95%.
David Bailey, Director at Hotel Miramar said, “We launched the ‘£1 a bed pledge’ a few years ago, and it is amazing how quickly it all adds up. Previous beneficiaries have included the BCHA homeless ‘sleep safe’ campaign; and Julia’s House has now been nominated to receive money raised by hotel guests. It is completely voluntary, and anyone can opt out from making the donation should they wish, but our experience shows that very few do. We also have some plans underway to host a fundraising event this summer in aid of Julia’s House. Watch this space!”
Further information about the hospice is available on their website www.juliashouse.org. Laura Kelly is keen to hear from anyone willing to help support community fundraising activity. She can be contacted on 01202 644220.
Julie-Anne Houldey
