Lorraine first came into contact with our local hospice 13 years ago when a close friend of hers was cared for on our specialist ward in Exeter.
Several years later, Lorraine saw an advert in her local paper encouraging people to hold a Coffee Morning to raise funds for Hospiscare. Lorraine explains, “I think it really appeals to people – the chance to come together and drink tea and coffee and eat cakes!
“For the first few years, I held my Coffee Mornings at my home in East Devon. They steadily began to grow larger and larger until I was hosting over 100 people in my house and garden!
“When we went into lockdown in 2020, I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold my Coffee Morning but I wanted to do something to support Hospiscare. My neighbour helped me to set up a JustGiving page and we raised over £2,200! It was very important for me to support Hospiscare at this difficult time.
“When restrictions eased in 2021, I decided to hold my Coffee Morning at an outdoor venue near Ashclyst Forest. With over 100 people attending my last Coffee Morning, I felt we’d really outgrown my house and garden!
“The event was a fantastic success and everyone felt safe because it was outdoors. We raised over £1,500. I had hoped to keep using this venue but unfortunately it is currently closed, so instead my Coffee Morning this year will be at Clyst Hydon Village Hall. I wanted to keep it in my neck of the woods as lots of local people come along.
“After all of these years, it’s become a real community event. I only live in a small hamlet so it’s become a much-needed social gathering and all for a fantastic local cause. I used to do all of the baking myself but now it’s become a real community effort with people contributing baked goods, donating prizes for the draw on the day and putting on stalls to sell books, local produce and food – all of which generate more money for the final pot.”
Members of Lorraine’s local community enjoying her annual Coffee Morning
For anyone considering holding their own Coffee Morning to support Hospiscare, Lorraine has the following advice: “Consider your venue – will you have it at home or at an external venue? With this in mind, you’ll need to make sure that people have access to parking and toilets and you may need to consider access for wheelchair users.
“Once you’ve chosen your venue and date, it’s time to get everyone around you involved – from making and baking on the day to helping you advertise your event. It’s also good to consider who will be on hand to help you set up and, of course, clear up!
“Holding a Coffee Morning isn’t difficult to do at all, and the Hospiscare fundraising team are on hand to give you plenty of support. I’ve always found it to be such a positive event, and all for a good cause – so it’s a plus-plus all round!
“Give it a go; all the money you raise, no matter how big or small the total, will go to a fantastic local charity!”
To find out about holding your own Coffee Morning to support Hospiscare, please click here or get in touch with our fundraising team by emailing [email protected] or calling 01392 688020.
