Pilgrims Hospices volunteers dedicate time and passion to Margate Bookshop: A heartfelt commitment to community and care
Nick and Gavin (the Volunteer Managers), alongside a team of 34 dedicated volunteers covering 14 shifts throughout the week, are the driving force behind the success of Pilgrims Hospice Old Bank Bookshop. Their unwavering commitment to literature and end-of-life care has made the bookshop a beloved institution in Margate, where locals and tourists alike find solace and fascination among the shelves.
The team curates a diverse selection of books, ranging from modern classics to literary prize contenders. For some of the volunteers, like Geoff, their dedication to Pilgrims Hospices is deeply personal, inspired by the exceptional care provided to his late wife, Jane, by the Canterbury Hospice team.
In addition to his role at the bookshop, Geoff actively supports Pilgrims Hospice’s Stepping Stones Bereavement Support Services. As an active listener, he leads a walk-and-talk group for bereaved individuals within the community. His caring personality, passion for walking and nature serve as a source of comfort and support for those in need.
Ruth, another valued volunteer, brings her retail expertise to the forefront, ensuring captivating and ever-changing book displays. Her commitment is fuelled by both her love for literature and the support she received from Pilgrims Hospices during her husband Colin’s illness and passing.
Gavin, finding solace and purpose in volunteering after his wife Joy’s illness, ensures the shop remains open on weekends, demonstrating the profound impact of hospice care during difficult times.
Nick, with a background in local government, volunteers three days a week, embodying the spirit of community support. His love for the written word shines through as he assists customers and showcases the shop’s collection of vintage and collectible records, all in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
Together, these and the many other volunteers form the heart of the Old Bank Bookshop, where every purchase contributes to providing essential end-of-life care to those in need. With over £100,000 raised last year alone, the shop’s success is a testament to their dedication and hard work, as well as the community’s generosity and compassion.
As Geoff, Ruth, Nick, Gavin, and their fellow volunteers continue to pour their hearts into Pilgrims Hospices Margate Old Bank Bookshop, they serve as a beacon of hope and support for their community, embodying the true spirit of volunteerism and kindness.
For those visiting Margate, the Old Bank Bookshop is on the Parade, opposite the harbour, and is open all week, including Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter and until 5pm in summer. Stop by to support this vital independent bookstore or learn more about Pilgrims Hospices’ pre-loved shops throughout East Kent at Pilgrims Hospices Shops
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate end-of-life care and support to individuals and their families across East Kent. With a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, Pilgrims Hospices offers a range of services aimed at enhancing quality of life and providing comfort during difficult times. Learn more at Pilgrims Hospices .
Rollover rolling in good fortune: Pilgrims Hospices Lottery unveils £11,000 rollover extravaganza!
Greetings, fellow fortune seekers and compassionate souls! Prepare to be swept away on a tidal wave of excitement because Pilgrims Hospices Lottery, at the time of writing this, is about to roll into a staggering £11,000 rollover! Yes, you read that right – £11,000! If that doesn’t make your heart skip a beat, we don’t know what will.
For those unfamiliar with the magic of the Pilgrims Lottery, let us paint a picture for you. Imagine a world where you can turn a mere quid into a small fortune, all while supporting a noble cause. That’s right – your ticket doesn’t just buy you a shot at the jackpot; it’s your golden key to contributing to end-of-life care within the local community of East Kent.
Pilgrims Lottery raised a phenomenal £1.246 million in total during 2022–23. This remarkable cash infusion ensures that those in need receive the care and compassion they deserve during their most challenging times.
Now, you might be thinking, “How do I get in on this extraordinary opportunity?” Fear not, dear reader, for it’s as easy as sipping your morning tea. For just £1 a week, you can secure your place in the lottery draw, unlocking a world of potential winnings and warm fuzzy feelings, knowing you’re supporting an incredible cause.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to the chance of winning the colossal £11,000 rollover, the Pilgrims Lottery showers its supporters with a regular prize pool of £2,000 in cash prizes each week. That’s right, every week! It’s like a perpetual celebration of generosity and good fortune.
Joining the Pilgrims Lottery isn’t just about luck; it’s about becoming part of a community that believes in making a difference. As a member, you’ll share in the collective joy of contributing to a cause that touches the lives of many. It’s more than just a lottery; it’s a beacon of hope and a testament to the incredible things that can happen when people come together.
So, what are you waiting for? Break out your lucky charm, grab a quid, and embark on a journey of possibility and purpose with Pilgrims Hospices Lottery. The next draw could be your ticket to a windfall, and, more importantly, a chance to be part of something truly extraordinary. Don’t miss out on Pilgrims Hospices Lottery today, and let the magic begin!
The Pilgrims Hospices Lottery isn’t just any lottery; it’s a lifeline for the hospices.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
22nd February 2024
Pilgrims Hospice Kilo Sale raises over £1,500 and champions sustainability efforts
Pilgrims Hospices is thrilled to announce the remarkable success of its recent Kilo Sale, held on Saturday, February 17th, at St. Peter’s Church Hall in Canterbury. This event not only generated important funds for local hospice care but also exemplified Pilgrims Hospices’ dedication to promoting greener living by diverting over 1,000 items of clothing from landfills.
The Kilo Sale attracted over 500 enthusiastic shoppers, offering a wide variety of items, including ladies’, men’s, and children’s clothing. Ranging from brand-new pieces with tags to timeless vintage apparel, attendees delighted in discovering treasures, all while contributing to sustainability efforts and essential hospice services with purchases priced at just £5 per kilo.
Mandy Hawkett, Pilgrims Retail Manager, expressed gratitude to the community, stating, “It is very important to Pilgrims to ensure we do as much as possible to make a positive difference to our environment and cut down on landfill waste while raising important funds for our services.” She further highlighted the event’s popularity, stating, “This was our third kilo sale in the Canterbury area, and each time we’ve had even more members of the public shopping with us. It’s definitely a fun event to attend, and finding that unexpected gem of clothing can be so rewarding!”
The success of the Kilo Sale underscores the community’s commitment to supporting local hospice care and emphasises the significance of sustainable practices in retail. By breathing new life into pre-loved items, Pilgrims Hospices and its supporters are making a tangible impact on both the environment and the lives of those in need.
Proceeds from the event, totalling an impressive £1,552, will directly benefit hospice care, providing essential support and services to individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Pilgrims Hospices extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the Kilo Sale and confirms that additional sales are planned for Saturday 1st June and Saturday 31st August 2024.
For more information about Pilgrims Hospices, upcoming events, and ways to support your local hospice charity, please visit www.pilgrimshospices.org/get-involved/.
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity providing specialist care and support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Their services are focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families, offering a range of care options tailored to individual needs. With a commitment to compassion, dignity, and respect, Pilgrims Hospices strives to ensure every person facing a life-limiting illness receives the care and support they deserve.
Pilgrims Hospices Broadstairs shop, located on the High Street, will be closed for approximately six weeks starting in February 2024 for extensive building renovations. The upper level of the building will be transformed into flats, which will generate important income to support the local hospice services.
During the closure, the shop will undergo a complete refurbishment, promising a fresh and inviting space for customers when it reopens in the spring. To celebrate the relaunch, a special “Brand New with Tags” event is planned, featuring a curated collection of high-quality items.
While the Broadstairs shop is temporarily closed, the dedicated staff and volunteers are not taking a break. They will be lending their support to other Pilgrims shops in the area, offering their support to help maintain the charity’s ongoing retail operations.
Pilgrims Hospices is grateful for the community’s continued support during this development and looks forward to welcoming everyone back to the Broadstairs shop with renewed enthusiasm and an expanded offering.
A Pilgrims Hospices spokesperson stated, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to renovate our shop while the upper-floor flat conversions take place. I’m sure people will love our new pre-loved shopping experience, and we will look forward to welcoming all our existing and new customers into the shop when we re-open.”
During the anticipated six week shop closure, donations can be taken to Pilgrims Hospices Tivoli Brooks Warehouse, Unit C, Tivoli Brooks, Margate CT9 5FG where they will be gratefully received. The Tivoli Brook location has the added benefit of parking directly outside. Pilgrims shops are also located in Cliftonville, Ramsgate, Margate, Westgate, and Birchington. Details can be found on Pilgrims Hospice’s website, www.pilgrimshospices.org/shop-with-us.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
