Members of the public are being asked to support their local hospice service by buying a sunflower pin or sunflower seeds for €2 each today and tomorrow from hospice volunteers countrywide.
 
The Hospice Sunflower Day is a major source of income for hospices and voluntary hospice groups countrywide.  All of the funds raised locally stay locally. 
 
Mo Flynn, Chief Executive of Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services and Chair of the Voluntary Hospices Group, said: "The hospice movement has always been able to rely on the solidarity of the public.  Despite these difficult times, we remain positive and ambitious.  We would encourage people to give generously during the two days of the Sunflower Days collection."

"Any donation that someone gives locally will be used to support their local hospice service.  The people to benefit will be members of their own community."
 
Hospice or palliative care involves the total care of patients and their families at the stage in a serious illness, where the focus has switched from treatment aimed at cure to ensuring quality of life.  About 29,000 people die annually in Ireland and over 6,000 people use hospice services every year.
 
International studies have shown that patients using hospice services consume at least 25% fewer medical resources than those who access 'usual care.' 

For more information visit www.sunflowerdays.ie