On 14 February Pilgrims Hospice Ashford was delighted to unveil their newest resident in the grounds of the hospice, the Snowdog Parklife.
After the successful Snowdog trail, which brought pleasure to the people of Ashford and beyond in autumn 2018, many residents were delighted that some of the unique pieces of art bought at the Gala Auction remained as part of the community and can be visited within the town. Joining these now is Parklife, who was one of a pair bought by Vin Donald Trinh.
Mr Donald-Trinh so enjoyed every aspect of the Snowdog trail, he wanted patients, visitors, staff and volunteers to be able to continue to share in that enjoyment. Parklife has therefore been loaned to Pilgrims Hospices and will be on display for the forthcoming year.
The family agreed without hesitation, that it was befitting for Parklife to stand where he would bring much joy and happiness to all those who visit and work at Pilgrims.
Vin Donald Trinh, who successfully bid on Parklife at the Snowdogs Gala Auction
Parklife was designed by artist Kathleen Smith who wanted to encourage people to enjoy the parks in and around Ashford with all their exciting wildlife. With a wildlife orchard, sensory garden, pond and glorious setting at the hospice, Parklife will find a friendly home.
Mr Donald Trinh said: “Like many living near and far from Ashford, we were immediately captured by the colourful Snowdogs. They brightened up Ashford and became a really fun feature for everyone to enjoy.
We took ouryoung children around the town spotting them each weekend, taking pictures. Every Snowdog visited brought great excitement and joy to both of our children, every one was a favourite as we loved them all!
We saw the Snowdogs when they gathered at the Julie Rose Stadium for the Farewell Weekend and from there the family thought that if we were lucky enough we would attempt to bid for one. We also knew that the Snowdogs were there for a very special purpose and that was to support Pilgrims Hospices in the fantastic work that they do; work which is often difficult but invaluable.
We feel extremely lucky and privileged to be part of the Snowdogs journey in Ashford. It was never our original intention to loan Parklife to the Hospice but having been so very fortunate in the auction, the family agreed without hesitation, that it was befitting for Parklife to stand where he would bring much joy and happiness to all those who visit and work at Pilgrims. This would be the biggest gratitude we could have bestowed in return for the joy the Snowdogs brought to our family and all others in Ashford.
We very much hope that Parklife fits in well at his new home and the family shall visit him regularly to make sure he’s behaving himself!”
International grooming, styling and personal care products specialist Wahl UK presented their Charity of the Year, Pilgrims Hospices, with an amazing fundraising cheque for £6,079.44 recently.
Wahl UK has been fundraising for local charities over a number of years, however, in 2015 they started selecting a charity of the year. They now focus fundraising on supporting local, independent charities that are close to their heart. The staff decide which charity they’re going to support each year. David Goodman, Managing Director of Wahl UK, said: “The staff nominate charities, then we take a vote and Pilgrims Hospices won by a clear majority last year.”
Wahl also headline sponsored Pilgrims charity fun run, Santas on the Run! In 2018 and entered over 30 members of staff into the fun. “We are very proud to have supported this event. Santas on the Run was a fantastic, fun way to end the year.” Mr. Goodman told us.
He added: “The staff raised an incredible £1,445 in sponsorship for the fun run!”
We are very proud to have supported PIlgrims Hospices
David Goodman, Wahl UK
Wahl organised a range of fundraising activities in the office for Halloween & Christmas, a member of staff made a skydive and they donated boxes upon boxes of toys and clothes to Pilgrims Hospices retail shops. The charity team also organised a quiz night for staff, family and friends. The quiz night was a great success with it being their most successful quiz night to date!
The company match-funded the money raised by the charity team in the office fundraising and they also generously match-funded the sponsorship raised from Santas on the Run!
I had no idea they had achieved such a huge sum, it was a brilliant surprise!
Lydia, Pilgrims
The team kept their fundraising total a secret during the year, it wasn’t until they handed Lydia Todd, Pilgrims Fundraising Officer the cheque that the amazing total was revealed.
Lydia said: “I had no idea they had achieved such a huge sum, it was a brilliant surprise!
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with the team at Wahl over the past year. They have been so committed and enthusiastic about their fundraising and support Pilgrims Hospices. It’s great to see such a large company so invested in supporting local charities; the money that they’ve raised during 2018 will have a great impact on people in their local community who are living with an incurable illness. Pilgrims can’t thank the team enough for all of their hard work and support”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,300 people in East Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
