Offaly Hospice to host Sunflower Days next month

Miriam O'Callaghan is calling on the public to support Offaly Hospice Foundation during Hospice Sunflower Days on June 7 and 8.

Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, is delighted to announce that Hospice Sunflower Days is returning for its 34th year with 22 hospices throughout the country taking part in the on-street collection on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8 This year’s campaign was launched by Hospice Sunflower Days Ambassador, Miriam O’Callaghan.

Once again, in addition to the on-street collection, the public will also have the opportunity to support Offaly Hospice Foundation online in the Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden now open until the end of June. You can sponsor a virtual sunflower ‘in memory’ of a loved one while making a donation at www.sunflowerdays.ie and every euro raised locally, stays locally as supporters donating online can select which hospice they wish to support.

Hospices and specialist palliative homecare services throughout the country provide free-of-charge care and support to those living with a life-limiting illness, while also offering assistance to the patient’s family members. Hospices nationwide need to raise approximately €20 million each year to provide their patient centred care and as our population ages, demand for specialist hospice and palliative homecare services continues to grow. In 2023 alone, Hospice services across Ireland cared for over 18,350 patients and their families, a 6% increase on 2022 figures, and made over 87,000 specialist palliative homecare visits to patient's homes, a 2% increase on 2022 figures. That is why fundraisers such as Hospice Sunflower Days are so important to hospices and homecare services throughout the country.

Speaking about the launch of the 2024 Hospice Sunflower Days campaign, Mary Murphy, Fundraising, Offaly Hospice Foundation, said: “We are delighted to announce details of the 34th Hospice Sunflower Days campaign and we are calling on the public to support us at Offaly Hospice Foundation by donating on-street on June 7 and 8 or online throughout the month to help us raise vital funds.”

Hospice Sunflower Days Ambassador, Miriam O’Callaghan, also commented, “I am delighted to be a part of the launch of this year’s Hospice Sunflower Days campaign as hospice care is something that impacts so many families throughout Ireland. The support and care hospices and homecare services provide to patients and their families is truly incredible, so I am calling on the public to help make a real difference by donating on-street or online during the Hospice Sunflower Days 2024 campaign this June. Every euro raised locally, stays locally so your donation will really help services in your local area.”

There is also still time for schools, pre-schools, Montessori’s and creches from all across the country to get involved too by hosting their own Hospice Sunflower Fun Day during the month of June. To take part, simply register online to receive your free pack, pick a date to host a fun day, invite pupils to wear something yellow and ask families to make a €2 donation, or whatever they can afford with all funds raised going directly to your local hospice or homecare service. Further details on registering can be found on, www.sunflowerdays.ie

You can support Offaly Hospice Foundation by donating to the on-street volunteers or by dedicating a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one now at www.sunflowerdays.ie