A Highland children’s charity has swapped paper doors, chocolate, snowmen and baubles for a real-life advent calendar which aims to make experiences in healthcare and bereavement easier for young patients.
And local companies have the chance to get involved as The Archie Foundation is seeking festive donations as it counts down the days as part of its Christmas Advent Calendar 2024.
Throughout the year, the charity provides vital support to the Highland Children’s Unit at Raigmore Hospital, the Birnie Centre and NHS Highland Community Hospitals, and now it aims to spread extra Christmas cheer throughout December.
The 2024 Advent Calendar campaign will not only bring joy to youngsters spending Christmas in hospital but also includes gifts and resources which will benefit children and families well into 2025.
The calendar of daily events includes toys, activities and experiences for children, families and NHS staff, from festive treats to toys and hampers.
It also highlights the charity’s broader services, including emergency grants for families facing travel costs, accommodation needs and access to specialist equipment.
These services are a lifeline for many, with 24% of the families who stayed in the Archie Family Centre at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital in 2023 coming from the Highlands.
The charity is currently seeking further donations to fill the remainder of the calendar to keep the festive spirit up, with opportunities to donate to Archie’s emergency grants to help give families in need support, from travel costs and overnight stays to cash for essential items.
Recent contributions have included toy donations from Tesco Dingwall and Dunelm Inverness and Christmas stockings for babies in Raigmore Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
These stockings are set to bring a touch of magic to the tiniest patients on Christmas morning.
Zoe Grant, regional fundraising officer for the Highlands at The Archie Foundation, said: "Our Advent Calendar is a wonderful way to bring smiles to children, families, and staff during the festive period, but it also highlights the year-round support we provide.
“Every donation makes a difference—whether it’s funding essential equipment, supporting bereaved families, or simply spreading joy in the hospital. We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity we’ve already seen and hope even more people will join us in making this Christmas extra special.”
To add support to Archie’s Advent Calendar campaign, contact hello@archie.org
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.