Rowcroft Hospice teams up with local eateries for new initiative

Rowcroft Hospice has launched a new fundraising initiative, Dine & Donate, to bring restaurants, pubs, and cafes together with their customers to support end-of-life care in South Devon.

The initiative invites participating businesses to offer customers the option of adding a small voluntary donation — starting from £1 — to the cost of their meal. 

All proceeds will go directly to Rowcroft Hospice, which provides care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families. As the hospice receives just 24 per cent of its funding from the NHS, community support plays a vital role in supporting its delivery of care to the community.

Businesses can tailor their involvement in this initiative. For example, Pier Point Bar and Restaurant in Torquay has introduced an “invisible chips” option to the menu.

Owner Lorraine Arnold said: “We’re delighted to see our ‘invisible chips’ campaign inspiring others, and we’d encourage every eatery to get involved in Rowcroft Hospice’s Dine & Donate initiative in whatever way works best for them. 

“It doesn’t have to be invisible chips – it could be as simple as adding £1 to the bill or donating a set amount from a particular dish to support this incredible local charity. 

“Our customers, both local and visiting, really appreciate and support the initiative, and it’s a great conversation starter about giving back to our community. Most importantly, our staff truly believe in it, which has made it something we are all proud to be part of.”

Lisa Whittaker, corporate fundraiser at Rowcroft Hospice, said: "Dine & Donate offers an easy and meaningful way for people to support hospice care in our community while enjoying the best of local hospitality. A small, optional donation on your bill might seem like a tiny gesture, but when put together with other customers’ donations, it all adds up to make a huge difference in caring for local patients and their families who are facing the hardest times imaginable.”

Each year, Rowcroft supports more than 2,500 patients and their loved ones across South Devon through its specialist services. The hospice continues to face financial challenges due to rising costs, low levels of government funding, a national decline in charitable giving, and increasing demand for its care.

The hospice is inviting feedback from local eateries and welcomes suggestions from members of the public about venues they would like to see involved.

Lisa said: “Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or indulging in a three-course feast, Dine & Donate enables kindness to always be there on the menu!”

More information and a list of participating venues can be found online at rowcrofthospice.org.uk/ dine-and-donate or by contacting Lisa Whittaker at Rowcroft Hospice on 01803 210835.