Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are delighted to announce that the ‘Craft in Covid’ Online Auction will be launched at 3pm on Sunday 2nd August.
The Charity put the call out to local crafters in June to request donations of good quality, hand crafted items, to add to the auction catalogue.
Cath Coates, Fundraiser for Hospice at Home, said “The response to this appeal has been outstanding. We originally hoped that up to 50 items might be offered, however we have now surpassed 200. Cumbria is blessed with many talented craftspeople and we have been thrilled to welcome donations from a wide variety of artistic categories including woodwork, homewares, stationery, children’s items and clothing/accessories.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has given an item for the auction. We can’t wait to share the live catalogue with you!”
Many supporters commented that they were keen to donate an item to the auction to help raise funds and support the Charity at this difficult time, especially with many events cancelled and all the Charity’s Shops closed to the public during lockdown. The concept of ‘keeping themselves busy’ during lockdown was also mentioned whilst others commented that crafting had great benefits for their mental health.
Anne Scott has made face masks for the auction and for the Charity’s Shops, and has also been selling masks from home to raise further funds. Anne commented “The wonderful care and support you gave my sister enabled her to remain at home which is what she wanted.”
Jayne Pilkington has donated a Necklace and Earrings set made using green vintage buttons. Jayne added “I think that Hospice at Home is a fabulous organisation who have helped people who were very close to my heart and think it is so, so important that the service they offer is able to continue.”
Carol Brook has donated two oil paintings and several sets of mats and coasters, designed and painted by her late partner Ted Bidgood, who was cared for by Hospice at Home earlier this year. Carol found the care Ted received in the last few days at home to be so caring and kind, and felt contributing to this auction is what Ted would have wanted.
The auction will be open from 2nd August – 17th August and the catalogue can be viewed by visiting www.givergy.uk/HospiceatHome
Cath added “We hope the community will take a look at this varied and exciting catalogue, and make bids on items of interest. Every donation will make a huge difference to the Charity at this challenging time. Thank you in anticipation of your support.”
