Charities are struggling on
LEICESTERSHIRE hospice charity Loros is facing a funding shortfall of £1 million because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Loros, which provides support and care to terminally-ill patients, said while it welcomed the boost for charities from the government announced recently, the effects of the pandemic will be “significant and long-term”.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £750 million boost of extra funding for charities nationwide.
Due to the introduction of social distancing measures, Loros has had to reduce its clinics and day therapy sessions, cancelled fund-raising events and also shut its 29 charity shops.
The charity said that due to these changes, and even with a share of the government funding injection, they are facing a shortfall of £1 million over the coming months.
John Knight, chief executive officer, said: “The government announcement made on Wednesday of funding for hospices on the frontline fight against Covid-19 is great news.
“We have been devastated by the drop in our income and it is a very real threat to our future.
“We are taking advantage of all government support available to us and this additional injection of cash via Hospice UK is very welcome.
“However, we are acutely aware that the dent in our income is not short term and it is naïve to think that by the autumn everything will return to normal.
“Just as this virus is impacting on our daily lives, it is changing how our hospice can operate in the long term.”
Due to this loss in funding, the charity is asking for people to give what they can to support their work.
John said: “This year we will be celebrating Loros’ 35th year of providing specialist end-of-life care and support for patients and their families in Leicestershire and Rutland.
“We are determined to continue to do this for many more years to come.
“Now, more than ever, we are calling on our fantastic supporters from the community to raise the vital funds we need to provide our amazing care for patients and their families.”
Loros is still running a number of events to raise money.
Its annual Twilight Walk, a 10km walk around Leicester, has been
Now, more than ever, we are calling on our fantastic supporters to raise the vital funds we need
changed to the Twi-Night In, an online “night in” broadcast via Facebook.
Supporters can also still play the lottery and buy Spring Into Summer raffle tickets online and via post.
Loros’ online eBay shop is still running, offering items that people need while confined at home, including jigsaws, linen and clothes.