Harvesting funds for Milford Hospice

ONE of the most popular family events in the Mid-West, the Milford Hospice Harvest Fair will take place at the UL Sports Arena on Sunday, September 1. The fair has grown to become the hospice’s main fundraiser.

Milford Hospice is the designated provider of specialised palliative care for Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary. The service was described recently by the Irish Hospice Foundation as “the most developed in the country”.

In 2012, Milford treated over 1,200 patients and more than 300 of these were from County Clare. The service is clinically led by three consultants in palliative medicine and delivered by a full specialist multi-disciplinary team.
At the launch, organising committee chairman Joe Murphy said, “While the summer has been superb, and we’re hopeful of a warm and sunny day on September 1, the arena brings certainty that another enjoyable day can be had by everyone.”

UL director of sport and recreation, Dave Mahedy, said the University of Limerick and Milford Hospice have had a very long and co-operative partnership over the years.
“When we were approached to host the fair we were delighted to both support and work together to facilitate the continuation of the event, which means so much to the hospice and the Mid-West community,” he said.

Admission and parking is free and promises to be a fun family day out with new features included in the kiddies’ area. 
To ensure the continued success of the fair, Mr Murphy is appealing for donations and volunteers. They need quality items for the stalls and all goods will be checked for quality before being accepted to minimise the major costs involved with the disposal of unsalable items.

Items can be dropped at Milford Hospice between 9am and 8pm from Monday, August 19 until Thursday, August 29.

Milford chief executive Pat Quinlan said he continues to be amazed at the huge turnout of supporters on the day.   “There is tremendous goodwill towards Milford Hospice and this is most affirming and strengthens our resolve to deliver the best service we can to the people of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, which is no less than they deserve,” he said.

Contact the fundraising department to register your interest in becoming a volunteer at www.milfordcarecentre.ie or phone 061 485859/485860.