BETHESDA FUND-RAISING CAMPIGN
"Support Bethesda" Leaflet [PDF, 628kb]
Because the Bethesda Care Home and Hospice in Stornoway is now likely to be facing a massive shortfall in funding due to the costs of the new extension probably approaching the £2 million mark, a large scale fund raising campaign is to be launched. It will be seeking the co-operation of all the statutory bodies, organisations and individuals in Lewis and Harris.
Bethesda had managed to raise £1.2 million towards building the extension but costs then escalated to £1.7 million. However because of uncertainty about VAT payments associated with the extension the final cost could be as much as £2 million.
The campaign is being co-ordinated by the team who successfully raised over £100,000 through the sale of Calum Martin's Salm CDs. A sum of £100,000 was received from the Free Church of Scotland, £93,000 from Western Isles Enterprise and £36,000 by the Kenny Dalglish celebrity golf matches.
The team wish to acknowledge the help of those others, with experience in this field, who have now joined them to lend their support.
The extension was the result of new legislation introduced by the Scottish Executive and implemented by the Care Commission, which stipulated that all residents must be offered a single room with ensuite. This meant Bethesda had to provide 21 single ensuite rooms . This, however, will not bring in more revenue, but it does mean having to employ additional staff.
The Care Home and Hospice, which employs 50 staff, supplies a much-needed and caring service to those who are terminally ill and who require specialist palliative care. It provides a relaxed homely atmosphere where patients and their families can come to terms with the turmoil they often feel. The service is provided to all, irrespective of race, colour or creed.
Sandy Matheson, the Lord Lieutenant of the Western Isles, former Council Convenor and former Health Board chairman, has kindly agreed to be the Patron for the fundraising campaign, and other Deputy Lieutenants have also agreed to give their support.
Mr Matheson said: 'Bethesda Home is a jewel in the Hebridean Crown of loving care and compassion. To keep this gem brightly shining new finance is necessary. In the past 15 years, people from all over the world have responded magnificently to funding The House of Mercy. I have no doubt that they will continue to do so in even larger measure and so demonstrate that 'God's Providence is our Inheritance'.
Kenny Maclennan, the Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, said: 'We are extremely grateful for the donations received so far but we feel at this stage it is important to make the public fully aware of the funding shortfall we are facing because of escalating costs. The funding team has already been encouraged by pledges of £10,000 and £4,000 towards the Appeal.'
Mr. Maclennan continued 'Bethesda was originally set up to alleviate blocked beds at the old County Hospital. It should be remembered that all the beds are occupied by NHS residents, thus stopping bed-blockage at the Western Isles Hospital. We need the support of the whole community to meet our shortfall target of half a million pounds. Our campaign will involve direct approaches to all the businesses in Lewis and Harris, all the workplaces, schools, churches and every other organised group as well as individuals on the Island and elsewhere. We are anxious that all age groups from pre-school playgroups to pensioners groups will have the opportunity to be involved.
'We see the vast areas of undeveloped common grazings in our Island as a valuable resource that could be channelled into our appeal, allowing whole communities to be contributors. Our team is being advised on this possibility by a prominent member of our community who is recognised as the expert in this field. Landlords and Grazings Committees will be approached to allocate a plot of ground on their common grazings to Bethesda for sale as house sites'.
He says the campaign will be officially launched in mid-March 2008 and will be widely advertised through the media and an 'election type' poster campaign. Parts will be similar to the 'Children in Need' campaign. A huge Auction is being planned for May. This will be followed by a mass rally, the programme for which will be announced later.
Said Mr Maclennan:'We would hope that where possible other charities will leave the field clear from mid-March to the end of April 2008 for this 'one off' appeal which is so crucial for Bethesda. Bethesda is nationally recognised for its unique blend of Nursing and Hospice care. Bethesda belongs to the community and has earned the support of the community.'
He added: 'We hope the community will rise to this challenge and help raise the shortfall in funding to support this much needed facility.'
