Business leaders helped raise more than £1,500 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) after learning more about its vital work at a prestigious awards ceremony.
EACH was the chosen beneficiary for this year’s East Anglian Daily Times Business Awards, at Kesgrave Hall.
Staff from the charity greeted guests on arrival and shared details of ongoing expansion work at The Treehouse – EACH’s hospice in Ipswich.
Attendees later watched a powerful film outlining EACH’s new care strategy, ‘Making more possible – reaching further, together’ – an ambitious five-year vision underpinned by seven key commitments. It was launched during last month’s Children’s Hospice Week.
“We were proud, honoured and grateful to have been chosen as the main beneficiary of this year’s Business Awards,” said Billie Nugent, EACH’s Senior Corporate Fundraiser for Suffolk.
“The generosity of everyone involved – from the organisers and sponsors to the businesses and individuals attending – will make a real and lasting difference to the children and families receiving our care and support.
“Partnerships of this nature not only raise funds but also shine a spotlight on our vital work, and it was great to see so many amazing companies in the room.”
EACH currently supports more than 750 children, young people and family members, including around 180 at The Treehouse, which was officially opened by HRH The Princess of Wales in 2012.
Major expansion work got underway there earlier this year, and the development will include a larger hydrotherapy pool, a wellbeing and therapies suite and an expanded separate activity area for care services.
The plans also include a dedicated space for teenagers, an additional bedroom and a larger kitchen and dining area.
EACH relies on voluntary donations for most of its income.
Every year, it needs to raise around £8.4 million through donations and fundraising, alongside £10.9 million from its retail operation. Only around 15% of its income comes from the government, county councils and the NHS.
