I am delighted to launch my charitable choices for 2011/2012.
Making my charity selections was a very thoughtful exercise as I wanted to choose a caring charity that could potentially assist life for all people. I am sure you will agree that both choices are very worthy causes.
Having considered the caring services provided already by The Rowans Hospice, this new service aptly named Dorothy's Dream filled me with determination to help the Dream come true.
We know that most people in their final days of life-limiting illness would choose to die peacefully with dignity in the comfort and familiarity of their own home surrounded by those who are important to them. This new service will off choice to terminally ill people who prefer to be cared for at home. It will also support families and friends and provide the opportunity to relinquish the role of carer for their loved ones.
The aim of this new Hospice at Home service is to provide a team of nurses who will supplement the complement, while working in partnership with, local NHS and Social Services. It will enable people in their final days of life, through an incurable illness, to know "there's no place like home" is an achievable dream.
To provide their current services, The Rowans costs are approx £4,000,000 per year. Dorothy's Dream is an additional service at an additional cost. £1,000,000 is needed to start this special caring Hospice at Home service.
The campaign to raise funding for Dorothy's Dream was launched in September 2010 and currently approx £700.00 has been received, enough to start recruiting nurses but the balance of approx £300,000 is still required. The aim is to care for a new patient every day which means offering a service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year...
I wish to assist in making Dorothy's Dream become a reality, to contribute in building the Yellow Brick Road to give people a caring choice for their life's final days.
An Air Ambulance service for the people of Hampshire and Isle of Wight was launched on 1st July 2007. Responding to emergency calls, their EX135 helicopter can make the difference between life and death for many patients. It is flying seven days per week and is being called to missions on average 4-5 times each day.
The Air Ambulance service is used to attend many different types of emergency, ranging from road traffic accidents to workplace accidents and sporting accidents. It also transfers patients between hospitals, when patients require emergency specialist treatment at another hospital.
To enable the Air Ambulance to provide this vital service, it needs to raise in excess of £3,600 per day. There is no Government finding available and this charity is entirely funded by public generosity.
"Help is just a flight away" and I intend to assist this vital life support service.
In addition to my two main charities I also intend to have a "funding pot" to contribute to other charitable causes within the Borough - when a small donation would be welcomed. This will include supporting the Royal Air Forces Association of Hayling Island in providing a new Colour Standard.
I would also like to contribute the work started by Cllr Yvonne Weeks in providing some funding to support aspiring young Olympians and Paralympians within our Borough, to assist them achieving their potential as individuals and community members.
Applications for funding from these elements of the Appeal are to be made in writing. Application forms to apply for funding will be available in January 2011 and applications will need to be submitted by 5th April 2012.
Councillor Ken Smith
Mayor of Havant
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