Good for the planet and good for Pilgrims patients
Vertical farming specialists GrowUp are donating fresh salad vegetables from their range of produce to Pilgrims Hospices kitchens. The regular supply of healthy fresh leaves is definitely a winner with patients and staff, who’s meals are catered for across the hospice sites each day.
Ian Ashton Pilgrims Hospices Catering Services Manager explained: “I’d seen a TV programme about local producers, and innovative methods of growing fresh produce. I’m always interested to meet local companies who produce high-quality ingredients; offering healthy and nutritious meals is an important part of Pilgrims’ care.
“GrowUp is not only producing high-quality salad leaves, but also demonstrating sustainable and efficient farming practices. This environmentally friendly approach aligns with the goal of creating a more sustainable and responsible food system, in which Pilgrims are investing time and efforts to be an integral part.
“It really piqued my interest and after some super sleuthing, I managed to contact Kate Hofman, Founder and Chief Brand Officer of GrowUp Farms, in order to open a conversation about them supporting Pilgrims with their produce.
“Fantastic news, we now collect around 120 packs of donated salad leaves every Friday from GrowUp! Their regular donations are contributing to nutritious meals for patients, which can have a positive impact on their wellbeing and comfort during their stay.
Donations from local providers, helps the catering teams to allocate their resources more efficiently, and focus on providing exceptional meals, that have a positive impact and make a difference in the lives of those wo need it most.
Pilgrims volunteer drivers collect the donated produce in chiller vans, along with stock from Thanet Earth, as part of the regular supply to our kitchens. I’m pleased to say with their support we’re able to offer healthy salad options for both painters and staff throughout the whole week.
Vertical farming is very much a long-term solution to the problems we have seen recently caused by climate change and issues with supply chains. The local business is powered by 100% renewable energy producing.
A huge thank you to our amazing contributors.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
Reuse, recycle, upcycle, helping raise funds for Pilgrims’
The reuse revolution came to Pilgrims Hospices, Canterbury on Saturday 12th August. The Reuse Pop-Up shop, organised and in partnership with FCC Environment and Kent County Council featured solely pre-loved items sold at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Items for sale on the day included toys, bikes, electricals, furniture, bric-a-brac, garden items and homeware.
The wide array of items were donated by members of the public at Canterbury and Margate Household and Waste Recycling Centres. The concept of recycling and reusing, helps reduce our overall environmental impact.
Some of the first visitors were The Right Worshipful, The Lord Mayor, Councillor, Mrs. Jean Butcher and Lady Mayoress, Mrs. Di Baldock who both came along to the see the bargains on offer.
The Pop-Up Shop offered opportunities to pick up a variety of preloved bargains, the main objective of the event is to help prevent waste and reduce carbon emissions generated by manufacturing new products, and to raise important funds for Pilgrims Hospices care.
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Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices, Head of Fundraising commented: “There are a huge number of high-quality items that are sent to the local Recycling Centres. The staff at both Canterbury and Margate Centres have a keen eye for detail, and are trained to pick out some of the items that are in good condition, and could be saved to be repurposed, and loved all over again. This can be a great way for people to find affordable goods while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing the demand for new products, whilst also helping to raise funds.”
By choosing to buy preloved items, people can support the concept of recycling and reusing, which helps in reducing the overall environmental impact.
It’s commendable that organisations like Pilgrims Hospices and FCC Environment Pop-Up Shops, are promoting such initiatives, and with the support of Kent County Council, the event helped raise awareness about the importance of sustainable consumption and waste reduction.
You can continue your sustainable shopping in any of the 31 Pilgrims Hospices shops across east Kent. They stock a wide range of high-quality items, including books, clothes, furniture and vintage curios.
Pilgrims also love to receive donations, so we can turn them into vital funds to support our services. We accept any good quality saleable items including clothes, household goods, furniture, items of interest, electrical items (provided they are in good working condition) and anything else you think could raise money for Pilgrims.
For information on our retail shops and how to donate click here.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
15th August 2023
Media Madness this August for Pilgrims charity shop in Ashford
The Media Madness event takes place at Pilgrims Hospices Shop in Ashford, from August 24th to 26th, 2023. The ‘all things media’ event, will cater for media enthusiasts, collectors, and those who love to seek out a pre-loved treasure, or just to make an impulse purchase.
With a wide range of media-related items, the event will showcase, vinyl records, CD’s, toys and collectables, including Star Wars figures, books by actors, celebrities and bands, TV annuals, memorabilia, musical instruments, puzzles, games and anything and everything in between. The long-established, charity shop, in Castle Street, (located near the WWI tank just off the High Street), will be covering everything from movie stars to pop stars and far beyond!
Sandra Wonnacott, Pilgrims Shop Manager said: “We really hope our media event will cater for a wide variety of interests, there are some really unusual items and great bargains for everyone to browse.
“We are ready to welcome our regular customers who know there are some wonderful bargains on our shelves, along with new visitors to the shop. We hope the Media Madness event will bring more visitors to the Ashford shop, which in turn, will raise even more important funds for essential hospice services.”
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If you’re interested in media-related items, pop culture, and supporting a good cause, this event will be a fantastic opportunity to indulge your interests, while making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Enjoy the event and the chance to connect with fellow media enthusiasts while supporting your local Pilgrims Hospices charity. Be sure to mark your calendar for August 24-26!
We are ready to welcome everyone to our exciting event!
Sandra – Pilgrims
It will be a great opportunity to explore a diverse collection of media-related items, while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Sandra added: “Young or old, there are so many bargains to be had. Whether it’s a piece of artwork for your wall, a cuddly Disney toy, Harry Potter merchandise, or a CD to extend your collection. We will do our best to help you find it in our little shop bursting with goodies.”
Supporting a charitable cause while enjoying a fun and unique shopping experience is a great way to bring the community together.
Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
11th August 2023
Pilgrims Lottery – News Flash
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery rollover is at £9,500
The rollover at Pilgrims Hospices Lottery hasn’t been won again this week and will be worth an incredible life changing £9,500 in next weeks draw Friday 18 August 2023
Kev Rob and Eddie are making the most of Pilgrims therapy groups
Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing groups offer a holistic approach to improving the quality of life for their patients. The groups provide a variety of activities and sessions that aim to enhance both mental and emotional wellbeing.
Therapy Group users Kev, Rob and Eddie share their thoughts on the benefits of Pilgrims Wellbeing.
Kev – when I initially came along to the Wellbeing Groups at Pilgrims, I went home and said to my wife Gwenn, this isn’t for me. She persuaded me to give it a little time; I’m so pleased that I did, I have met friendly and interesting people in the groups and enjoyed some of the variety of entertainment and talks that have been provided by the Wellbeing teams.
I discovered that talking and listening to people who are experiencing similar symptoms, and things that I’m experiencing, is really good therapy. I’ve had a chance to express my feelings in a relaxed and friendly environment.
I was a plumber in my working career, and have met people from all walks of life; here at the Therapy Centre, I’ve found lots in common with so many people here, and laugh a great deal when we’re all together.
We’ve made great friendships, and will exchange telephone numbers in order to stay in touch; we hope to continue to meet even after our therapy sessions have finished.
Rob – I’ve been very lucky and blessed with an interesting life. I had my own taxi cab firm in central London, then noticed there was a greater need for ambulance services. I introduced a private ambulance service, which supports the London hospitals including the NHS. I’ve had an interesting and varied career, and have been fortunate to learn to fly a plane amongst many other interesting things.
I’ve been managing my brain cancer diagnosis since May 2022. I had been very fit and healthy until then. I woke up one morning to find myself shuffling, and not really able to pick my feet up. After scans and consultations with the neurological doctor, it was a shock, as there really hadn’t been any warning that I was becoming unwell.
Rob who is 67 years of age, said, “We take our health for granted, I’m doing as much as possible to remain active, and enjoying life as best I can. I have my wife, children and grandchildren for support which is really special for me. My visits to the Pilgrims Therapy Centre keep me feeling very positive, and I enjoy the company of others using the Wellbeing services, and the Pilgrims teams are always there full of positive messages, and useful information about support services, and how to look after myself.”
Eddie – I was a plumber and have worked in a huge variety of properties for a wide variety of companies and people. We often laugh a lot while we’re here at the Therapy Centre, when we’re chatting about our life’s experiences. I can’t express enough how important the groups are, to keep everyone focused on looking after themselves and making the very most of our own skills.
Although I have to keep my meals to quite simple foods, I’m always so well catered for at the group lunches. It’s a pleasure to sit and catch up with the group, we talk about our families, what’s happening locally, how we’re all feeling, what happens next and so much more. But perhaps more than any other thing, we laugh and relax with the Pilgrims care team.
The gentlemen are soon to move on from Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing Groups, having had support to give them skills and confidence to live life to the full in every moment. With new friendships forged, they hope to continue to meet socially and share their experiences moving forward.
Pilgrims team of nurses, doctors and therapists work together to offer a range of Wellbeing programmes to support patients, their families and friends.
Offering services to help people live better at home; these are available through the Wellbeing and Social Programmes held at our Therapy Centres. By helping to manage symptoms, the care teams can support people to cope with the changes in their lives, giving practical advice, and helping people to think about the future.
Pilgrims’ Wellbeing Programme is free if you live in east Kent and you have been diagnosed with an incurable illness. It aims to enhance your wellbeing – in mind and body. To find out more click here.
Each year Pilgrims supports thousands of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end-of-life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
9th August 2023
Grab a bargain at Kent’s second Pop-up Reuse Shop at Pilgrims Hospices this Weekend!
On Saturday 12th August, FCC Environment and Pilgrims Hospices will be hosting Kent’s second pop-up reuse shop from 10am-2pm at Pilgrims Hospices, 56 London Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8JA.
There will be a variety of good quality, preloved items to purchase at the pop-up shop which will be available at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Items for sale on the day will include toys, bikes, electricals, furniture, garden and homeware.
This event follows on from the success of Kent’s first pop-up reuse shop held at Canterbury Household Waste and Recycling Centre where over half a tonne of pre-loved items were sold to help raise funds for the hospice.
Kate Duddell, Head of Fundraising and Projects at Pilgrims Hospices commented, “There are a huge number of high quality items that are sent to the local Household Waste Recycling Centres. The teams from FFC Environment have a keen eye for detail and are trained to pick out some of the items that are in good condition and could be saved to be repurposed and loved all over again.”
The concept of recycling and reusing, helps reduce our overall environmental impact
Kate – Pilgrims
“The vast variety of items donated by members of the public at the Centres will then be sold at the Reuse Pop-Up Shop to help raise funds for local hospice care. The concept of recycling and reusing, helps reduce our overall environmental impact. Additionally, this can be a great way for people to find affordable goods while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing the demand for new products. We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Kent County Council and FCC Environment on this sustainable initiative, whilst also raising awareness about the importance of Pilgrims end-of-life care for the east Kent community.”
Joanne Fordham, FCC Environment’s Contract Manager for Mid & East Kent added, “Since introducing the reuse containers at Margate and Canterbury Recycling Centres we have been amazed by the huge number of good quality items kindly donated by members of the public. This is not only fantastic for the environment as it is diverting waste, but it is also preventing the CO2 emissions associated with the manufacture of new products. I am proud of the team’s achievements and excited to expand the reuse revolution to more recycling centres in Kent soon!”
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
