The CaringStay Awareness Booster

Project 2024-04-08 11:10:03 +1200

Introducing CaringStay, by Lizzie Scott

Picture this: you're recovering from a knee or hip operation, and your options for post-hospital TLC are limited. You have no family or friends near the hospital – what do you do?

Lizzie's lightbulb moment came during a stay with her mother in 2020. She saw her mother's care for solo friends-in-need, typically older women with no support network nearby, and wondered: where do those who don’t have a friend like Mum go after surgery?  

Their lonely homes.

With hospitals overflowing, Lizzie saw an opportunity. 

There were, after all, a number of kind, active, caring people with large houses, keeping a very close eye on expenditure. Thus was born CaringStay, a start-up business project.

It's a good match: retired homeowners with spare rooms play host to guests leaving hospital, who just need a couple of extra days. Likewise, for those who need respite – it’s a special B&B where comfort, care, food and friendliness are offered too. It’s not medical; it’s support and presence.

CaringStay is a network of private homes, each with its own character and hosts ready to welcome guests. The homeowners offer more than a bed and a roof; they extend an invitation to share meals and make friends. It's better than simply a bedroom; it's a place to find respite.

We believe that recuperation isn't only about physical recovery—it's also about soothing the mind. And that good food and security is part of this too.

CaringStay is also for retirees seeking purpose, and a boost to their bank accounts. It's a win-win.

So far, the business development, from the first idea to where it is now, has been me, Lizzie, and some great friends who made a bit of time for me, and... that's it.

Having asked experienced people who know business inside and out, I know I can't do it alone anymore. This is why I'm asking for some financial support via PledgeMe, a Crowdfunding platform.

What is Crowdfunding, and how does it work?

Crowdfunding is a way to raise money for projects like ours. You pledge to my crowdfunding campaign, in exchange for rewards (in my case the rewards are stays at CaringStay homes). You can see I'm offering accommodation with CaringStay as rewards.
Contributing to crowdfunding campaigns can give a sense of involvement, knowing you are helping bring something new and innovative to life. You'll be able to watch CaringStay grow and think, 'I was part of that in the early days.'

It’s a modern version of Community Fund-raising, and is an ideal option today, when banks are wary of lending to start-ups, especially those, like us, who are non high-tech.

Please note: the model of crowdfunding used by PledgeMe is such that no funds leave the pledgers' accounts until we have achieved the minimum funding asked for. It's all-or-nothing.

$15000 is the minimum to give us a kick start. If we receive more than the minimum I will have brochures printed and distributed to GP practices, private hospitals (NB, public hospitals are not permitted to ‘advertise’ us as we are not a charity), and Physio offices, advertise in AirNZ's inflight magazine… and more. 

If you can, help me as much as you think it’s worth. 

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