This January we held our first City Hospice Power of Purpose event in association with Cardiff and the Vale College (CAVC) at their restaurant, The Classroom in Dumballs Road. On a cold January morning, with the threat of snow, we were joined by representatives of Cardiff’s leading businesses.
The Power of Purpose theme was embraced by all guests keen to engage on how responsible business practices can benefit our community, while building trust and brand position. Our guests enjoyed a light breakfast in the beautiful setting, with views over Cardiff, a keen reminder of City Hospice’s remit to deliver care for the capital. The Classroom looks out over Cardiff’s industrial past, new corporate developments and thriving business community, a fitting location to discuss the difference business can make.
We were joined by CEO of Hodge, Steve Pateman and Alastair Milburn, MD of Effective Communication. Steve with his extensive financial background, discussed how the world’s leading businesses were playing their role in making a positive difference, pursuing purpose, at times over profit and in turn building stronger brands, experiencing greater longevity and creating loyalty amongst key stakeholders. Steve also celebrated City Hospice’s close relationship with Hodge and the Hodge Foundation, explaining how the foundation make a significant difference to the charity every year by donating £100,000 to ensure we can deliver exceptional palliative care.
Alastair, with his considerable charitable knowledge and decades of PR and media experience, discussed how motivating a community of fellow business people, to benefit charity has a multiplier effect; creating significant value for the third sector while boosting team morale by focusing efforts on the achievement of charitable goals. He also asked guests to utilise their skills for the benefit of the community. Such fundraising activities enable charities to tell their story in new and interesting ways, while benefiting financially and developing new networks for the future.
We were also joined by Leanne Waring, CAVC’s Business Development Manager, who spoke of the college’s strong commitment to educating Cardiff, creating skilled workforces and leaders for the future, while supporting our community in the process.
I also had the opportunity to share details of City Hospice’s exciting plans for the future, as well as celebrating over 30 years of heritage and care of those at the end of their lives, while supporting families dealing with this great loss.
A few days before the event, I was sent a story from a Cardiff resident, who spoke of the exceptional care her father, Marian received from City Hospice. Although Marian had passed away before I started as CEO of City Hospice, I could tell what an extraordinary man he must have been. He was a war hero and a member of the polish residence, as well as a father who clearly loved his family. I struggled to speak these heartfelt words feeling a little choked although managed to make it through, and as I looked around, I could see that, like me, many of our guests were clearly moved by Marian’s story.
Telling this story, helped to demonstrate that every one of our patients is unique, and treated as an individual, which is only possible because of the support we receive from individuals, groups, and businesses. Our business supporters can develop strong relationships with City Hospice, through volunteering, business fundraising and selecting City Hospice as their Charity of the Year (Cardiff).
The theme of Power of Purpose clearly resonated with our guests, who we look forward to working with in the future. Thank you to everyone who made this first event such a success, demonstrating how we can all play our part in making a difference.
If you are interested in attending a future Cardiff business networking event, please contact mollie.borg@cityhospice.org.uk. Many of our Power of Purpose guests will be joining us this Spring/Summer for corporate volunteering days at Ty Hosbis in Whitchurch. If your organisation would like to take on a team challenge please contact volunteer@cityhospice.org.uk.
Thank you to all of our supporters in the business community, we look forward to an exciting year ahead.
Liz Andrews
CEO of City Hospice
