Helping out the hospice

DR KERSHAW’S has joined forces with Oldham council staff and councillors to launch a seven-day fundraising drive.

The Royton-based hospice, which cares for patients with life-threatening illnesses, is holding a Giving Week to meet its £1.7 million a year fundraising target.

Starting tomorrow, council staff will be encouraged to donate in a variety of ways.

A Donation Station will be set up in the Civic Centre staff canteen for employees to bring unwanted clothes, toys, toiletries and bric-a-brac to be sold in Dr Kershaw’s charity shops. This will then remain over the next six months.

Employee volunteers will use their lunch breaks to encourage colleagues to sign up to Dr Kershaw’s Lottery and the council’s Payroll Giving scheme.

The lottery allows players to pay £1 a week to be in with a chance of winning a £1000 weekly jackpot, while Payroll Giving means staff can give a set amount every month directly out of their pre-tax salary.

Volunteers will also be carrying buckets around council buildings to collect loose change.