28 November 2005

St Giles Hospice is urging local people to buy their charity Christmas cards with care this year.

While charity Christmas cards from a number of high street stores give only a tiny fraction to good causes, nearly 50% of the profits from the sale of St Giles’ cards goes directly to help care for local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses.

A survey by the Charities Advisory Trust - which provides an impartial source of information on all aspects of trading for charities - reveals that Marks & Spencer and Boots will this year hand over 10% of the purchase price of their charity Christmas cards to nominated charities. Next will give an average of nearly 9% and WH Smith an average of 7.5%.

In fact the average charity card, available in packs of 10 or less, is selling for 71p, with only 5p going to worthy causes – that's just over 7%.

St Giles Hospice Shops General Manager Lynwen Truesdale said: 'This Christmas we are asking people to support a charity which helps those in need in their own community.

' For every pound spent on St Giles Christmas cards almost 50p goes towards caring for local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses.


' That means our Christmas cards generate five times more money for a good cause compared to that handed over by many of the high street giants to their nominated charities.'

St Giles Christmas cards are on sale at the hospice’s network of charity shops across the region, as well as the Lymphoedema Clinic and shop at the hospice, the groups of Friends of St Giles Hospice, and on-line at www.stgileshospice.com

The cards feature 23 different designs and prices range from £2.25 to £4.25 per pack of 10. A selection of personalised and business cards, overprinted with address details and a festive message, is also available.

For more information call 01543 481 042.

St Giles Hospice is one of the best-known and most respected charities in the region, offering high-quality nursing and medical care for people with cancer and other serious illness, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Patients come from across the hospice's catchment area, which ranges from Ashby de la Zouch and Atherstone in the east, to Cannock and Walsall in the west – and from Burton and Uttoxeter in the north, to Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill in the south.

Care is offered either at the hospice in Whittington, near Lichfield, or in patients’ own homes across the region, where St Giles Nurses have made more than 7,000 visits over the past twelve months.

St Giles spends almost £5million every year providing its specialist services. With just a third of this funded by the Government, the registered charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising – including proceeds from the St Giles Hospice Lottery and network of 14 charity shops.