A significant charity partnership between City Hospice and St David's Dewi Sant Cardiff has successfully raised more than £45,000 over two years, directly funding crucial palliative care services for families throughout the Welsh capital. The collaboration, which officially designated City Hospice as the shopping centre's charity of the year for 2023, ran from October 2023 until December 2025, creating a substantial financial and community impact.
Fundraising Success Through Community Engagement
The impressive total of £45,066.18 was generated through a diverse array of fundraising and volunteering activities concentrated in the bustling city centre shopping district. This sum was significantly boosted to £78,547.07 thanks to generous match funding provided by the Hodge Foundation, specifically through the Light up a Life appeals held across 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Key Fundraising Initiatives
Major contributions to the total came from several high-profile events and campaigns:
- The Big Christmas Wrap events proved exceptionally successful, raising an outstanding £31,480.
- Glitter stations and bucket collections operated at major city centre gatherings, including the highly attended Taylor Swift concert.
- Both St David's staff and supportive customers played vital roles in making these fundraising efforts a resounding success.
Beyond Financial Support: Raising Awareness and Building Legacy
The partnership extended far beyond mere fundraising, focusing strongly on raising community awareness about City Hospice's essential work. The shopping centre hosted poignant Ribbons of Remembrance displays, allowing members of the public to honour departed loved ones by tying personalised message ribbons. Furthermore, City Hospice delivered specialised bereavement training to St David's staff, extending support and understanding well beyond the charity's own team.
Volunteer Commitment and Community Participation
St David's employees demonstrated remarkable commitment by volunteering at external events including the Sparkle Walk and Forever Flowers, alongside participating in the Cardiff Half Marathon during 2024. With assistance from the St David's team, City Hospice also increased its visibility by joining Pride parades in both 2024 and 2025, helping to promote its services across diverse communities within the city.
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership's Impact
Katie Vaughan, senior community fundraiser at City Hospice, emphasised the partnership's significant difference to both the charity and the Cardiff residents it supports. She praised the St David's team for their unwavering commitment and for helping raise awareness of hospice care from such a prominent city centre location.
Helen Morgan, centre director at St David's Cardiff, expressed pleasure in supporting City Hospice over the past two years and extended gratitude to shoppers and visitors for their generosity in helping raise funds for these vital community services.
A Lasting Legacy of Compassionate Support
This meaningful partnership has established a powerful legacy of support, awareness, and compassion within the Cardiff community. The funds and increased visibility ensure that City Hospice can continue delivering essential palliative care, counselling, and bereavement support to people and families across the city during their most challenging times.
