Great three days at this year’s show
We set up our new LHF stand on the busy Northern Avenue, run by trustees, our operations manager, volunteers and hospital staff.
During the three days (29-31 July) we must have chatted with over 1,000 people to spread our news. It was hard work but all the team had fun.
What do LHF do?
Having spotted our colourful sign and flag, lots of interested people popped in to find out more.
We had information about hospital services, examples of equipment donated by the Friends, opportunities for joining us as a volunteer or trustee … and the Dippy Donkey fun ‘poop’ game for kids!
Are you local?
As people walked by, we asked …“are you local?” …
“do you know how many services the hospital provides?”
“have you heard that we have donated over £1m in the last 6 years?”
“would you like to become a hospital friend?”
New Hospital Friends
Many people were happy to chat for a couple of minutes and over 300 became a hospital friend so they could keep in touch with our newsletters … you can do it here become a hospital friend.
More than 10 people each day expressed an interest in helping us in a number of different ways … as:
- a ward friend, visiting inpatients patients
- an assistant in our friendly shop, serving patients, visitors and staff
- a garden helper to develop our new wellbeing area
- a community fundraiser, working with clubs and societies
- a trustee to help shape our future support for the hospital
Picnic in the Park
Then, we did it all again on the Sunday (3 August) after two days off!
We set up our LHF gazebo at the family fun day and car show at Woodside Gardens in Lymington.
Despite gale force winds and the odd shower, we spoke to over 150 people and signed up another 78 Friends!
Run by Lymington Community Association, this is a great place for us, and other local charities, to meet local families.
We also met up with Mike Finch, an old friend and great FUNdraiser … read Mike’s story here.
