Volunteers call to help Marymount’s Sunflower Days
THE Marymount University Hospital and Hospice has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers to help support its annual Sunflower Days initiative this coming weekend.
Volunteers will be selling sunflowers at collection points around the city and county on Friday and Saturday, with the Cork-based charity hoping to raise €70,000 to help fund its services over the coming year.
While the charity does receive some state funding it has to raise €3 million, which equates to 30% of its total income per annum, through various fundraising activities.
Anne McAtamney, assistant nursing director of Marymount’s palliative care services, said this was why it was vitally important that the people of Cork lend their support to the Sunflower Days campaign.
“We need the support of the public to continue to provide our much-needed services including day care facilities, our specialist palliative care wards, community outreach teams and our services for older people,” said Ms McAtamney.
She said that all of the monies collected in Cork will be channelled to supporting local services. “We are so grateful to the community of Cork who help us as much as you do and your support for Sunflower Days is always really appreciated,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Paula McGovern, Marymount’s head of fundraising and communications.
“We are really looking forward to meeting people across Cork over our Sunflower Days, but we urgently need more volunteers to support our collections,” she said.
“So please get in touch via email on fundraising@marymount.ie or call 021-450 1201 if you can help, but please don’t forget to buy your sunflowers on the day at any of our collection points.”
Alternatively people can text Marymount to 50300 to donate €4, with a minimum of €3.25 of the donation going to Marymount SP: Likecharity Helpline on 076-680 5278.
RTÉ presenter Mary Kennedy has also lent her support to the initiative.
“I’m encouraging everyone to support Sunflower Days,” she said. “By the simple act of buying a sunflower from one of our volunteers you will be helping to bring comfort and dignity to people at end of life.”