A SURPRISE donation of €100,000 made to the St. Michael’s hospice ‘400 Countdown’ appeal’ has left supporters in Paphos reeling in delight.
The cheque was presented to the St. Paul’s Catholic Parish presbytery on Monday and has meant a huge boost to the appeal, which is underway to ensure the completion of the Saint Michaels hospice in Mesa Chorio in Paphos.
The 400 Countdown campaign fund aims to raise the remaining €400,000 required to open the doors of the Hospice in 2012. So far, over €1.46 million has been raised.
Father Carlos Ferrero, the Parish priest told the Cyprus Mail: “We have been asked by the donors to keep their identity anonymous. The donation was a big surprise and the largest single donation we have ever had.”
Father Jim Kennedy said:“I was absolutely staggered by the amount and by the generosity of the donors.”
But he was quick to point out: “Every donation be it €1 or €1,000 is valuable to us, but this is the largest single donation we have ever received and we are eternally grateful to the individuals concerned” he continued. “They were very impressed by our achievements to date, but were particularly interested in our future plans.”
Father Carlos added: “This money will enable us to purchase some major items such as a lift and kitchen equipment and really gets us on track to meet our objectives. We see this as the hand of God guiding and assisting us, we are doing God’s work for everyone. We are very grateful for this donation and we hope to make the whole of Paphos proud of our facility.”
Cameron McDonald from the presentation team said:“This has boosted the moral of everyone in our community, it allows us to do things now that we would otherwise have to wait for; the end of the project is now in sight.”
The Hospice is owned by the Catholic Parish but its services will be available to everyone from all areas of Cyprus and it will aim to provide free palliative care to everyone coping with a life limiting illness, regardless of nationality or religious persuasion.
The hospice will provide many facilities including nine double bedrooms, a lounge, a dining area, a chapel, a day care area and it will also provide complimentary therapies and home visits.
The 400 Countdown appeal was launched in March this year and regular monthly accounts are available at their website – www.stpauls-catholic-parish-paphos.com.
To make a donation, or for further information contact Father Jim or Father Carlos at the presbytery on 26931308.
