Virtual raffle is a win for Bethesda

A virtual raffle has smashed through its challenge to raise a massive £50,000 for Bethesda Nursing Home and Hospice in Stornoway.
By Melinda Gillen
Published 29th Apr 2020, 11:37 BST
Megan Macdonald of Sandwick Bay Candles initially came up with the idea of raffling-off a hamper of her beautiful candles (pictured) to help the hospice.Megan Macdonald of Sandwick Bay Candles initially came up with the idea of raffling-off a hamper of her beautiful candles (pictured) to help the hospice.
Megan Macdonald of Sandwick Bay Candles initially came up with the idea of raffling-off a hamper of her beautiful candles (pictured) to help the hospice.

The idea for this online fundraising effort was created by Megan Macdonald of Sandwick Bay Candles, who initially came up with the idea of raffling-off a hamper of her beautiful candles to help the care home.

Talking about her inspiration, Megan said: “I started a candle hamper raffle almost two weeks ago to raise money for the local Island hospice Bethesda.

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“Within a few days it had raised almost £2,000. I then had the thought about doing a virtual raffle and soon small businesses were getting in touch wanting to donate prizes.”

Megan has been inundated with offers of prizes from the local business community and now the raffle boasts more than 100 prizes.

Talking about the local support she has received, Megan said: “It is important to note that these businesses have come forward to me, which is amazing, especially at the moment in such uncertain times.

“Bethesda Hospice had to shut the charity shop (due to Covid-19) where they get a lot of the money to help fund the hospice and obviously all fundraising events were cancelled.

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“I would love to spread the word on how a raffle has made a community smile and come together to raise money for a charity that has touched the heart of most people on the island.”

This morning (Wednesday) Megan’s JustGiving fundraising total has burst the £50,000 milestone in donations, are you able to ensure she can raise even more to help Bethesda care home in these difficult times?

If you would like to donate to help Bethesda and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes see Megan’s JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sandwickbaycandles

PRIZES ON OFFER INCLUDE:

Sandwick Bay Candles Hamper Raffle for Bethesda valued at £100.

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Salka Jewellery - £100 of sea glass jewellery www.salkajewellery.com/

The Crown Inn Hotel Stornoway - Takeaway pizza and sides for 4 AND if £20,000 is reached in donations they are offering FREE food for LIFE for ONE person. T&C’s apply

Body and Sole - skin care pack http://www.bodyandsolestornoway.co.uk/

Cards and gift wrap - craft kit www.cardsandgiftwrap.co.uk/

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The Blue Lobster - voucher for 2 hot drinks, 2 bakes and a mini goodybag from their fabulous lifestyle shop

Bronwen Roberts Hair - cut blowdry and Olaplex (Inverness) treatment www.facebook.com/bronwenrobertshairx/

Immerse Hebrides - £30 voucher www.immersehebrides.com/

Stramash Ness Hamper of goodies www.etsy.com/uk/shop/StramashNess

Camerons Chip Shop - £20 voucher

The Crafty Weaver - Harris Tweed items www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheCraftyWeaverStore

Maybury Gardens - filled pot www.bespoke-blooms.co.uk/

Plus many more!

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The raffle will close at 4pm today (Wednesday, April 29th) and the live draw will happen on the Sandwick Bay Candle Facebook page at 8pm tonight.

To take part in the raffle you need to include your email address and tick the box to confirm you are happy for Megan to receive your details, as without these, she has no way of knowing who to contact if you are a winner.

Each prize will be given to a winner.

Related topics:Covid-19