For City Hospice in Cardiff, 2024 marks its 40th anniversary year.
Since its inception, the charity has supported people diagnosed with life-limiting conditions, helping them live in dignity and comfort in their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones.
In addition to home-based specialist palliative care, the charity provides welfare advice, complementary therapies, counselling and bereavement support to patients and their families. To maintain these critical services, City Hospice relies heavily on donations—and support from the business community in Cardiff plays a crucial role.
Sarah-Jane Smart, Corporate Partnerships Manager for City Hospice, said:
“We support more than 500 patients at any given time, with around 100 new referrals every month. To keep our services at the high standards we pride ourselves on we need to secure £3 million per year. Only around 40% of that comes from statutory funding, so the rest must come from fundraising.”
With such a significant funding gap, the support from Cardiff’s business community is essential. Local businesses already contribute through corporate fundraising, Payroll Giving and event sponsorship.
However, Sarah-Jane emphasises that there is potential for even more growth.
“Currently, a small percentage of our overall funding efforts comes from businesses,” she says. “But Cardiff is a thriving business hub, and we see great opportunities to expand our corporate partnerships.”
The 40th anniversary year has been marked by a range of innovative fundraising initiatives, aimed at encouraging local businesses to get involved.
One standout campaign is from the Hodge Bank, which has generously donated £40 to participating businesses, challenging them to grow that amount into at least £1,600 by the end of the year.
“It’s about making fundraising a memorable experience and, most importantly, making a difference to the families we support,” adds Sarah-Jane.
Corporate support has already made a tangible impact.
Warehouse events space Depot chose City Hospice as its charity of the year, raising nearly £6,500 through ticket sales and collection pods at events.
Nick Saunders, Managing Director of Depot, said:
“As a member of Rhiwbina Rugby Club I previously supported City Hospice and was really impressed by the incredible work they do, from care to counselling and so much more. We’re excited to raise more funds through our events and to continue supporting the charity.”
As Sarah-Jane notes, partnering with a local charity like City Hospice allows businesses to strengthen their corporate social responsibility, enhance their brand reputation, and foster goodwill among customers and employees.
“By partnering with charities, businesses can build local networks, improve employee morale, and boost customer loyalty,” she says.
The need for more business involvement remains, though. City Hospice is encouraging Cardiff’s business community to consider nominating the charity as their ‘Charity of the Year’ or becoming a Platinum Pledge partner by committing to raise at least £1,000 over the course of a year.
“Businesses who sign up as Platinum Pledges will receive one-on-one support from myself or Nicky Piper as their dedicated Corporate Partnership Manager, guiding them through their fundraising journey,” says Sarah-Jane. “Together we can ensure that every family in Cardiff receives the best quality of care.”
In addition to financial support, businesses are encouraged to explore other ways they can help such as volunteering, in-kind donations, and sponsoring events.
“The business community has been fantastic, but we know there’s more we can do together,” Sarah-Jane adds.
