Hospice rattles tin

Enduring community organisation Busselton Hospice Care Inc has launched its first co-ordinated fundraising campaign in the wake of a financial squeeze resulting from COVID-19.

BHCI has a 30-year history of bereavement support and supports four staff, 150 volunteers and thousands of grieving families.

The Community Cares Networkcampaign is targeting local businesses or individuals willing to donate with a fundraising goal of about $40,000 or 150 individuals through its end-of-life journey program.

For every $1000 donated, an individual and three of their family members or carers will be supported.

Donations of any value will go towards complementary therapy sessions, online carer education workshops for family members, and volunteer training.

Busselton Hospice Care Inc chief executive Rosie Brown said the organisation was determined to remain financially stable and continue to provide its unique services.

“For 15 years we operated the hospice attached to the old Busselton District Hospital and when the new health campus was built we continued to provide the training, recruitment and volunteers relocated into the general ward,” she said.

“I think the community thought or assumed that meant the Government was picking up the tab for providing the training and ongoing support, they didn’t realise we were still here providing that service to the hospital.

“We have an ongoing bereavement service that we provide to people who are struggling in that long journey because it’s not something that is over in three months, it takes someone three to five years to adjust to life without a very close loved one.”

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said BHCI staff and volunteers provided vital support to the community, both patients and families.

“I advocated strongly for State Government support following $2.5 million State funding for the South West in October last year but it is disappointing that this still has not been forthcoming particularly considering the increase in BHCI’s needs, including telehealth services during COVID.

“The history of community fundraising and donations provided to Busselton Hospice is admirable. I will continue to appeal to the State Government to provide much needed funding for this crucial end of life support.”

You can make a donation through BHCI’s Give Easy webpage busselton-hospice-care-inc.giveeasy.org/busselton-hospice-care-inc-appeal.