It truly is the 'Power Of The Purse'. The 3rd Annual Handbags for Hospice raised an unbelievable $75,616 for the VON Oxford's Sakura House this year, bringing their three year total to roughly $178,000. VON Fund Development Coordinator Kyra McNamara says the funds raised go towards their $400,000 annual operating campaign. "We do get partial funding from the government and that covers are front line medical staff or nursing staff. But as you can imagine, we are facility: electricity, food, new sheets, laundry, anything and everything. Our bereavement services program needs to be covered through fundraising. I believe in the future that will change but for now, we do have to fundraise and thank goodness our community is so supportive". Organizer Leslie Farrell says the generosity of the community is what brings them their continued success. "Oxford County is a phenomenal community. We need something; whether it's United Way, Alzheimer, or Relay for Life, Oxford County is there for our charity. You know you take pride in knowing that if you believe in something, the community can believe in it with you and they are behind us 110%". The event includes both a silent and live auction as well as raffles.