As a small local charity, we rely on the generous support of the community, and local businesses. In recent weeks we were given the fantastic news that community business, Buzzin, has kindly chosen to become one of Kilbryde Hospice’s corporate partners!

We had the pleasure of interviewing Bob Wotherspoon from Buzzin Lanarkshire, to talk about this new partnership, and why he has chosen to support us.

Firstly tell us a bit about your background Bob, how did you get involved with Buzzin?

I have worked in financial services for over 30 years, in sales and business development roles. I retired about 5 years ago (or thought I did!) enjoying some quality time with my Grandchildren before deciding  I wasn’t quite ready to hang up my boots just yet. Buzzin was already established as a company in Australia and the US and I saw a great opportunity to bring it over to the UK.

What does Buzzin do?

Buzzin is a community based business. It’s an online platform, which promotes what goes on in the local community, events, news, business news, and provides website, advertising and digital marketing services for local businesses.

What kind of support are you providing to Kilbryde Hospice?

My goal is to help share the word about the incredible, life changing work that Kilbryde Hospice does. We have recently set up a microsite especially for the hospice, to feature them on our website. We also share social media posts, feature blog posts and produce press releases, to increase awareness in the local community. I also work hard to connect Kilbryde Hospice with local businesses, advertise their events, and will be speaking at their next business networking breakfast event, to encourage more businesses to get involved.

How did you first hear about Kilbryde Hospice?

As I live and work in the area, I have been aware of the hospice for some time, but hadn’t been aware of what the facilities were like. I was recently invited to the first ever Kilbryde Hospice business networking breakfast, and after this initial contact, I decided that collaborating with the hospice would be a great opportunity for me to make a difference. I think this will be a very rewarding venture for both Buzzin and Kilbryde Hospice.

Thoughts after visiting the hospice?

After having a tour around the facilities, I was really in awe at the standard of the facilities – they are so modern, and warm, friendly and relaxed.  Staff are so friendly and do a great job in making patients and their families feel welcome and at home.

What would you say to other businesses who might be interested in supporting Kilbryde Hospice?

Be open-minded! While donations do of course keep a hospice going, there are so many other ways businesses can contribute – from providing a service such as what we are doing here at Buzzin, to corporate volunteering, attending events, or even doing a bake sale at the office. It’s an opportunity not only for you to support a worthwhile cause, but also to be seen supporting this great cause, which can only mean positive things for your business, from PR and Corporate Social Responsibility point of view. It’s really rewarding being able to work with Kilbryde Hospice.

Kilbryde Hospice provides palliative care across South Lanarkshire, supporting people with life-limiting illnesses, their carers and loved ones. If you would like to learn more about how you or your business could support our work, please email fundraising@kilbrydehospice.org.uk, call 01355 202020, or visit http://kilbrydehospice.org.uk/fundraising/.