Dorset's Weldmar Hospicecare wins two national awards
The charity's cleaned up at the Legacy Giving Awards ceremony
Last updated 2nd May 2023
A Dorset charity's won two awards on the same night.
Weldmar Hospicecare were nominated in four categories at the Smee and Ford Legacy Giving Awards 2023:
• Outstanding Legacy Fundraising Achievement 2023
• Most Innovative Legacy Campaign
• Outstanding Achievement by a Legacy Fundraising Team
• Excellence in Legacy Pledger Stewardship
Weldmar won Most Innovative Legacy Campaign and Outstanding Achievement by a Legacy Fundraising Team.
The prizes have come off the back of Weldmar's campaign to encourage local people to leave an affordable gift in their will, using the strap-line of ‘To those who need end of life care in Dorset, I leave…’.
The campaign has been seen on social media and online, in local magazines, on buses, radio, and even on a localised Sky TV advert.
The income received from people leaving a gift in their will for Weldmar Hospicecare funds the care of 1 out of every 3 patients supported by the charity, a total of over 420 people every single year. Without such thoughtful gifts, Weldmar’s services would look drastically different.
Matt Smith, Chief Operating Officer for Weldmar, who attended the ceremony with Fundraising Lead, April Whitehead, said:
“We are truly honoured and humbled for Weldmar to be recognised as leaders in this very important market. As a local independent charity, to be able to demonstrate the impact that this vital message can have on a small budget and with limited resources makes these awards even more special.
"Gifts in Wills are so crucial for Weldmar Hospicecare, and because we don’t receive the money now but in the future, it means that we can build and plan ahead to make sure we are there for future generations of families in Dorset. We are exceptionally grateful that the hard work of the team to increase awareness of this income has been recognised by industry experts and professionals.”
The judges praised Weldmar for their 'engaging and sensitively considered campaign which has been seen by thousands of local people, whilst also ensuring that expenditure was kept to a minimum'.
The awards ceremony was hosted by celebrity stand-up comedian Hal Cruttenden who personally congratulated Weldmar Hospicecare on their two awards and highly commended accolade.
You can find out more on how to leave a gift in your will for Weldmar on their website.