Local businesses give a gift that matters this Christmas.
A community-led toy appeal in the Highlands has helped deliver festive cheer to children and families supported by The Archie Foundation this Christmas.
Munro & Noble, the largest legal firm in the Highlands, ran a toy appeal in aid of Archie, creating a dedicated drop-off point at their Property Shops in Tain, Inverness and Dingwall to encourage donations from across the local areas.
Mark Barclay of Mark Barclay Joinery crafted a custom sleigh for the toys to be collected in.
Donated toys have been gifted to children and young people receiving care at the Birnie Centre and the Highland Children’s Unit, both located within Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, over the festive period.
The appeal received an overwhelming response, with toys donated by Munro & Noble employees, members of the general public and businesses from across the community, including a generous contribution from Strath Civil Engineering, which donated presents worth £1,000.
Gifts were delivered to the Birnie Centre and the Highland’s Children Unit by Steven Barclay of Barclay & Daughters Transport, who made the drop-off extra special by transporting them in the purpose-built sleigh on the back of a truck. Santa delighted locals by travelling in the sleigh as it made its way through Inverness city centre before he handed out gifts to the children receiving care.
Jacqueline Brown, Head of Marketing at Munro & Noble and a long-time Archie fundraiser, said, “The response to the toy appeal has been fantastic to see. We were overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our colleagues, local businesses and members of the public.”
William Nimmo, Archie Patron, said, “It’s been heart-warming to see the whole community come together to support children and families at what can be a difficult time of year for those receiving medical care.”
Lucy Barclay of Barclay & Daughters, said, “My daughter Daisy loved seeing her “Gaga” dressed up as Santa, and it was great that the children and young people that The Archie Foundation supports have received an extra special surprise this Christmas. We were overwhelmed by the support from the public as we travelled through the town up to the Children’s Unit and the Birnie Centre.”
The Archie Foundation supports babies, children and families across the north of Scotland, providing both financial and emotional support during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Community initiatives such as this toy appeal play a vital role in helping the charity continue its work and ensure children feel cared for and supported, particularly at Christmas.
Neil McGregor, Business Development and Fundraising Manager for The Archie Foundation, said, “No one wants to see their child spend the festive season in hospital, yet initiatives such as this toy drive make what can be an incredibly tough time for families that little bit easier. The support the local community has shown for the toy drive has been amazing and the children were so happy to receive their gifts.”
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.
To find out more about donating gifts or to view the Amazon Wish Lists, visit https://archie.org/donating-toys/.