Charity of the Year Launched to Celebrate 20th Anniversary

OpenContact have launched a campaign to support a Norwich-based charity as part of their 20th Anniversary Celebrations.

The "20 for 20 in 2020" campaign was officially launched by CEO Fiona Brown in the EDP paper last week, with the aim of raising £5000 for Priscilla Bacon Hospice.

Fiona's father Ron Pollin, founder of OpenContact, was admitted to the Priscilla Bacon Lodge in 2018 shortly before he lost his battle with cancer.  During his time there it became clear to Fiona that the current hospice is no longer fit for purpose, "It's clear that the current Lodge is not enough for the whole county, and I absolutely see the need for a new hospice," says Fiona. 

An expanding and ageing Norfolk population is now outgrowing the 16-bed Lodge and a £12.5 million appeal was launched last spring to build a new and bigger Priscilla Bacon Hospice on a site near the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital at Colney.

Ever-increasing demand, for inpatient beds as well as day and respite care means that greater capacity is desperately needed. The new hospice will offer the most modern facilities, plus a wider range of community day care and out-patient services, providing those who need care a greater breadth of choice.

Already more than £5 million has been raised, but there is still a long way to go before work can start on the 24-bed unit which will serve all of Norfolk.

Fiona and the OpenContact team are now formulating plans for 20 events, which will raise much-needed funds for the Priscilla Bacon Hospice appeal, while honouring the man who founded OpenContact 20 years ago.

Already in the mix are the possibility of an assault on the Three Peaks Challenge to climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 hours; one of the team will be seeking sponsorship for running in the Norwich Half-Marathon; bucket collectors will be out in the city; and a planned big birthday bash for clients and staff later in the year could feature a secret auction and a raffle.

To back '20 for 20 in 2020' please email fiona.brown@opencontact.co.uk.