Archie foundation appeals to give a gift that matters this year

Archie is hoping local people will help bring some Christmas cheer and kindness to children and their families, whether a child is spending the festive season in hospital, accessing healthcare support or coping with the loss of a loved one.

The charity is suggesting three ways in which people can help make a difference by supporting Tayside Children’s Hospital at Ninewells, Glenlaw House in Dundee, a respite centre for children with severe and complex medical needs, and Archie’s Child Bereavement Service.

Two Amazon wish lists have been set up, each with carefully curated suggestions selected by the play specialists at the children’s hospital and Glenlaw House staff.

Gifts can also be donated to fill Archie Toy Boxes, located in various wards across the hospital, and at Glenlaw House, a specialist facility for children with severe complex medical needs that supports more than 30 families from the region.

There is also an option to purchase Christmas donation vouchers as part of Archie’s Give a Gift campaign, providing gifts that bring additional comfort, joy and care rather than toys.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with some beginning at as little as £10.

One of this year’s principal supporters is engineering company HCS Glenrothes. The firm sponsored this year’s neonatal party at Dundee’s Apex Hotel, held on Sunday, December 14 and attended by around 60 children and families who have been supported by the neonatal unit.

The company has also pledged an additional £1,000 to fund the neonatal snack trolley in the unit for six months.

The trolley provides free round-the-clock access to snacks, light meals, and drinks for parents who may not be able to leave their baby’s side.

Rebecca Duncan, business development and fundraising manager for Archie in Tayside, said: “No one would choose to see their children having to spend the festive season in hospital which can make it an incredibly tough times for families. Archie’s Christmas appeal is all about bringing some cheer to brighten up what can be difficult days, including supporting youngsters who are experiencing a bereavement.

“Carefully tailored gifts and experiences help to meet the needs of the children as well as bringing a little joy. We’ve seen before how incredibly generous members of the public can be at this time of year and the huge difference that makes to the families they are supporting.

“Our message this year is for people to “give a gift that matters” and one of the best things is that the toys, gifts and donations don’t just bring some comfort, joy and happiness at Christmas, but well beyond that.”

To access the Amazon wish lists or find out about the Give a Gift campaign and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://archie.org/christmas-in-tayside

The Archie Foundation has helped children and families across the north of Scotland for 25 years, funding specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and, more recently, at Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin.

For more information on the financial and emotional support the charity provides to families all year round, visit www.archie.org