TWO former colleagues have helped to secure a hoard of donations for a charity in Poole after spreading an appeal online.

As suppliers continue to donate products, skills and services to get Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s Poole headquarters finished, two ex-coworkers from charity Save The Children collaborated to help source office furniture for the charity’s new hub.

A few weeks ago, Clare Gallie, CEO of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, issued an appeal on LinkedIn to speed up the refurbishment work, which has now been temporarily put on hold due to the lockdown.

Clare’s appeal was seen by Hannah Nardini at WKspace, which specialises in the design of corporate workspace for large brands including The Body Shop, Allen & Overy and Marie Curie.

She said: “When I saw the post from Clare, I created a post for my business contacts which I’m delighted to say resulted in the introduction to Obolife.com.

“As a business we have always supported charities and not-for-profit organisations. During the past few years many have had funding cut or removed from government which drives the need for community support.

“Often the largest charities, with the loudest voices, are the main ones the public notice and support, but it is vital to support the charities who offer dedicated personalised care, such as Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.”

After an overwhelming response to her post, Gary Helm, founder of London based holistic workspace provider OboLife was one of the first to come forward with an immediate availability of help.

Hannah added: “He’s a past colleague whom I know from working at Save the Children.

“It proved a perfect fit, as one of his customers, a Hampshire based financial services company, had asked him to clear a recently vacated building and dispose of the furniture in an ethical manner.”

Gary said: “A lot of clients move offices and sometimes good things get left behind, therefore this has worked to the advantage of both the hospice and a financial services company which was furnishing a new headquarters building and wished to dispose of items which were no longer needed.”

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has acquired a sofa, tables, desks, 30 office chairs, 21 three-drawer pedestals, coffee tables, occasional chairs, double door storage cabinets, plus a meeting room table and chairs – all in excellent condition and safely held, pending delivery, at Lock’n’Store Poole.

From its new home, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care exists to help the people of Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset with life limiting illnesses.

Clare, who is still seeking a main reception desk, thanked local suppliers which have transformed the interior and exterior to date, via free furnishings and installation.

Saxby Lighting, part of the wider Poole Lighting group, has donated approximately £6,000 of lighting, whilst Karndean Design flooring has supplied premium luxury vinyl flooring throughout the conservatory, day hospice and upstairs office area.

Trade suppliers Howdens in Poole provided a brand-new staff kitchen, fitted by Greendale Construction.

Clare said: “There are so many cross-connections here, past colleagues, businesses which support local charities, and a wonderful Dorset-Hampshire collaboration achieved through the power of LinkedIn.

“Not only has the environmental impact of transportation been reduced and unnecessary landfill avoided, but also this sends a fantastic message to all about how we can be careful with resources.”