30th January 2024

    Payroll Giving for Pilgrims: A simple way to make a big difference

    In celebration of Payroll Giving Month, Pilgrims Hospices is shedding light on a convenient and tax-effective method for businesses and employees to contribute to their favourite charities. Throughout February, the charity aims to raise awareness about payroll giving and its potential impact on supporting local hospice care.

    What is payroll giving? Payroll giving is a hassle-free way to make regular donations to Pilgrims Hospices directly from your salary. It stands out as one of the most tax-effective methods for individuals to contribute to a charity.

    Benefits to the Employee:

    Ease and Convenience: There is no need to set up a direct debit; your donation seamlessly comes out of your monthly pay.

    Flexibility: You decide the amount and frequency of your donations, with the option to stop at any time by contacting your payroll giving team.

    Cost-effective: Your donation is deducted from your gross pay before tax, meaning you pay less, but Pilgrims receives the full pledged amount.

    Making a Big Difference: By supporting local hospice care with every payday, you contribute significantly to the cause.

    Example: If you donate £10 per month, you’ll only pay £8, £6, or £5.50, depending on your tax rate, while Pilgrims still receive the full £10.

    How to Get Involved: To participate, simply reach out to your payroll department. For those whose companies don’t have a payroll giving scheme, now is an opportune time to encourage them to set one up.

    Benefits for Employers:

    Employee Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to employees’ well-being.

    Support for Various Causes: Provides employees with the opportunity to support charities they care about.

    Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Profile: Boosts the company’s image in the community.

    Simplicity: Setting up a payroll giving scheme is straightforward with a payroll giving agency.

    Employee Engagement: Easy to run and promote to staff.

    Corporate Partnerships Manager’s Perspective: Leila Ilkhan, Corporate and Trusts Partnerships Manager, emphasises, “Payroll giving is a simple way for people to donate to Pilgrims and provides a regular source of vital income for the charity so we can continue reaching as many people as we can who need end-of-life care.”

    Your Support’s Impact:

    £5 per month could equip on-site gyms for patients, aiding independent living.

    £10 per month could cover a patient’s meals for a day at inpatient units.

    £15 per month could fund a complementary therapy session, easing symptoms and anxiety.

    For businesses keen on exploring payroll giving, contact Pilgrims Hospices’ corporate partnerships team at leila.ilkhan@pilgrimshospices.org. Your support can truly make a big difference in providing vital end-of-life care for those in need.


    This year alone, Pilgrims Hospices has to raise £11 million through voluntary donations in order to run our full range of services. Sponsorship raised through events like these helps us continue caring for local people at the end of their lives.

    29th January 2024

    Kilos of Compassion: Pilgrims Hospices hosts exciting Kilo Sale at St. Peter Church Hall, Canterbury

    Pilgrims Hospices retail shops are thrilled to announce their upcoming Kilo Sale on Saturday, February 17, at St. Peter’s Church Hall in Canterbury, CT1 2BE. Following the tremendous success of previous events, this sale promises to be a treasure trove for bargain hunters and eco-conscious shoppers alike.

    Pilgrims Hospices has been organising kilo sales as part of its commitment to sustainable and community-driven initiatives. The concept revolves around offering pre-loved items at affordable prices, which are purchased at £5 per kilo, promoting a circular economy and reducing environmental impact. These sales have not only proven to be a hit among local residents but have also played a crucial role in supporting the vital work of Pilgrims Hospices.

    Shoppers will be welcomed by Pilgrims retail staff and volunteers, and they can browse and shop at their leisure. When ready, shoppers’ can bring the goods to be weighed, and they will be charged by the kilo. Attendees can expect a diverse range of high-quality items, including clothing, accessories, and household goods, all priced by weight. The Kilo Sale provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to find unique treasures while contributing to a worthy cause.

    Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. The funds raised from the Kilo Sale will directly contribute to sustaining the hospice’s essential services and programs.

    “We are thrilled to invite the community to our upcoming Kilo Sale at St. Peter’s Church Hall,” said Mandy Hawkett, Retail Area Manager at Pilgrims Hospices. “These events have not only been a tremendous success in the past but also align with our commitment to environmental sustainability. By giving pre-loved items a second life, we not only reduce waste but also create a positive impact on our community and the planet.

    “Come along and pick from a huge range of pre-loved items for just £5 per kilo. Bags are provided. This event is free to attend, but donations are welcome.”

    Retail Pre Loved Kilo Sale St Peter’s Hall

    Mandy added, “Please tell your friends and join us for some bargain hunting along our stock rails. My team is looking forward to welcoming everyone to our special event.”

    The Kilo Sale at St. Peter’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 2BE, promises to be a fun-filled day of shopping, socialising, and supporting a worthwhile cause. Pilgrims Hospices encourages everyone to join in the excitement on Saturday, February 17, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and discover the joy of sustainable shopping.

    For more information about Pilgrims Hospices and its initiatives, please visit www.pilgrimshospices.org/shops.


    Pilgrims Hospices is a local charity dedicated to providing palliative care and support to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. With a commitment to compassionate care, the organisation aims to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. To learn more, visit www.pilgrimshospices.org.

    18th January 2024

    Pilgrims Hospices Tree Recycling initiative a resounding success

    Tree-mendous news! Pilgrims Hospices’ tree recycling initiative has achieved a tree-rific success! Over two weekends, from January 6th to 8th and January 13th to 15th, 2024, doorstep collections of Christmas trees took place, resulting in the collection of more than 3,270 real Christmas trees in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet. These trees were then recycled by dedicated volunteers and representatives of Pilgrims Hospices. The estimated funds raised from this initiative are an incredible £60,000, all of which will contribute to local hospice care.

    This environmentally friendly fundraising initiative, which has been running for 12 years in Ashford and three years in Canterbury and Thanet, has been made possible through the generous donations of the community. Supporters of Pilgrims Hospices have been actively contributing to the care of the planet and hospice patients, one tree at a time.

    Pilgrims Hospices would like to convey their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported this charity fundraising scheme. The collective support received enables the hospices to continue providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care to individuals living with a life-limiting illness across east Kent.

    Kate Duddell, the Head of Fundraising at Pilgrims Hospices, expressed her appreciation for the invaluable support provided by the dedicated volunteers, who generously donate their time, vehicles, and services for local hospice care. She emphasised that without their contribution, the tree recycling service could not be provided to the local community. Kate also extended her gratitude to all those who registered their trees for collection, indicating that each donation plays a vital role in helping Pilgrims Hospices meet their annual fundraising goal of £11 million.

    Pilgrims Hospices would also like to thank their campaign partners, Kent County Council and FCC Environment, as well as the staff at the recycling centres, for their support. Additionally, a special thanks goes out to Canterbury City Council, Ashford Borough Council, and Thanet District Council for their dedicated years of support. These efforts were further bolstered by the contributions of numerous organisations, including A. Bird Trees and Gardens Ltd, Cordès Horticultural Ltd., Countrystyle Recycling Ltd, David Glew and Sons Garden Maintenance, David Parr Tree Surgeons, Givaudan, Harvey Waste Management, Jenner Contractors, Lord Mayor of Canterbury & Lady Mayoress, Macknade, Martin Fagg Garden Maintenance, MW Cave Ltd, Menzies, Practical Van Hire, Old Dairy Brewery, Pneuma Church, PSR Lighting & Signs Ltd, RE Tanner And Sons, Royal Mail, Select Plant Hire, Shadoxhurst Village Hall, Silent Gliss UK, Streetspace Group, Tree and Grounds Maintenance Ltd, Waitrose & Partners, and WW Martin. Their significant contribution greatly assisted in the success and expansion of the campaign.

    Pilgrims Hospices remains committed to providing care and comfort to thousands of individuals in east Kent who are facing incurable illnesses. The organisation strives to enhance their quality of life, ensuring that they are free from pain and distress until the end.

    For further information or to contribute to the ongoing work of Pilgrims Hospices, please contact Fundraising@pilgrimshospices.org. 


    About Pilgrims Hospices: Each year, Pilgrims Hospices provides care and support to thousands of individuals in east Kent who are grappling with incurable illnesses. Their mission is to help patients live their lives as fully as possible, free from pain and distress.

     

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