Hundreds of concerned St Luke’s supporters have complained to the Winsford hospice after not receiving a copy of the 25th anniversary newsletter, which was supposed to be delivered in March and early April.
To commemorate the hospice’s landmark year and to thank its dedicated community of supporters, St Luke’s organised for a special delivery of 131,000 newsletters to every household in its Mid and South Cheshire catchment area.
It contained vital information and tickets for the hospice’s landmark ‘Bumper Silver Anniversary Car Superdraw’, a key fundraising event, and also information on other events and updates on care services.
The competition is one of the hospice’s most high-profile and successful fundraising campaigns and was expected to raise vital funding for the care of local people and support for their families.
Hospice staff have criticised the postal service, which rather than admit the mistake - in light of the complaints from hospice supporters – has requested evidence to prove ‘none-delivery’, a task fundraisers say would be near impossible.
St Luke’s Promotions Manager Claire Langston commented: “The Royal Mail has advised they want more evidence of non-delivery, however it is impossible and impractical for us to ask all our supporters for evidence, as it is time spent wasted instead of focusing on fundraising.
“We feel that the hundreds of messages on our social media platforms and phone calls should be ‘significant’ evidence of a problem, yet Royal Mail deny there is a problem.”
Miss Langston added that fundraisers fear the mailout failure could lead to a worrying fall in entries to the hospice’s Superdraw.
She added: “Over £6500 a day is needed for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice to open its doors and the majority of that money is found through fundraising such as the incredibly popular Superdraw.
“It is very disappointing that the tickets have not reached as many homes as we would have hoped however we’re very confident that our wonderful community of supporters will rally to help us.”
In light of the issues, fundraisers have issued a ‘call to arms’ to supporters wishing to purchase Superdraw tickets, priced £1 each, to call 01606 553553, email lottery@stlukes-hospice.co.uk or pick them up at any of the Hospice’s shops or from the Winsford hospice reception.
Any supporters who have not received a copy of the newsletter are advised to contact the hospice or to leave a message on the Facebook page.
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