AN Edinburgh based charity is calling out to communities around the country to ‘Make Christmas Magical’ for children in hospital over the festive period.
With less than a month to go, the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKFF) – which supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children – already has a range of plans in place to bring Christmas to the hospital, including festive workshops, storytelling and beanstalk building.
Now, the charity has launched an appeal to help raise as much money as possible for kids over Christmas time.
They are running a TV advertising campaign throughout December, alongside a social media push which allows the public to donate to the charity by texting SKFF16 £5 to 70070. With enough support they hope to raise over £30,000 this Christmas.
Roslyn Neely, CEO of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “Christmas is a precious time for children and their families, but the excitement of waiting for Santa, opening presents and enjoying time at home can sometimes be something we take for granted.
“For some children and young people, Christmas means time spent in hospital, waking up in unfamiliar surroundings and worrying that Santa might not know where to leave their presents. But with the help of local communities across the country, we’re aiming to transform children’s experiences and give them a Christmas to remember.”
A donation of £5 per month (with Gift Aid) a total of £75, could provide a screening of a Christmas film with treats in the hospital so that children and their families don’t miss out on spending time together. £30 could cover the cost of one memory box, ensuring that bereaved parents get the chance to save precious memories of their child, so poignant at Christmas. A donation of £200 or £13 per month (with Gift Aid) could provide Christmas story telling for children on the wards, transporting them to magical worlds and on magnificent adventures during the festive period.
Roslyn continued: “This is a fantastic campaign and we really hope people around the country get behind us and show their support.
“Many people don’t realise that the fun, distractions, games and décor that can help a child feel much less frightened when they come into the hospital, particularly during special occasions such as Christmas, are funded by us.
“We exist to ensure children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness and that they have a more positive hospital experience. We provide enhanced facilities and cutting edge equipment and it is the generosity of those who get involved in events like this one which allows us to continue doing this.”
If you would like more information on how to support the Sick Kids Friend Foundation Christmas appeal, visit the website here: https://www.edinburghsickkids.org/donate
