THOUSANDS of pounds have already poured in for a Swansea hospice at the launch of a new appeal.
The “give a £1 to Ty Olwen” campaign saw people pack out the Grape and Olive in the city’s Meridian Tower to show their support for the facility within the grounds of Morriston Hospital.
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Guests including Swansea East MP Sian James, Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Byron Lewis and Swansea Sound DJ Kevin Johns were there.
Paul Murray, vice-chairman of Ty Olwen said: “It was a superb night — we raised £2,700. It was a fantastic start to the campaign and we hope people will keep on giving.
“A total of £200 came in yesterday morning through the collection box in the Quadrant in Swansea.
“We have only just started the collection.”
Mr Murray said the venue and the food was offered to the charity free of charge, and hundreds of pounds was raised through the auction prizes donated by SA Brains.
They included a hotel stay in St David’s, Pembrokeshire along with a meal for four in the Grape and Olive.
Cash was also raised through a raffle at the event.
Over the coming months the Evening Post will be lending its support to the campaign.
Every year a total of £400,000 is needed to keep the service running at the city’s Ty Olwen.
Out of every £1 people donate to the charity at least 95p goes directly to care for the patients, who have life-limiting illnesses.
Ty Olwen trustee Margaret Cain said: “It was fantastic — it was great.
“I think the campaign is going extremely well — people are listening now to the needs of Ty Olwen which is what we want.
“It’s a very important service.
“If we ever lose Ty Olwen it will never be replaced.
“Ty Olwen is important to the people of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.”
She added: “To give a £1 is not a lot to ask. “I will do anything I can to help Ty Olwen.”
People can make donations through Ty Olwen collection boxes in the Evening Post reception. Volunteers are also needed to go out and rattle collection boxes and buckets for the charity.
Different venues and businesses are also needed to act as collection points for donations.
People can also lend their support in a variety of ways by holding collections, staging coffee mornings and afternoon teas.
Anyone able to lend their support should contact Mr Murray on 01792 535813.
elizabeth.perkins@swwmedia.co.uk
