Published on 15 December 2020
A charity has teamed up with local businesses to give hospital patients an extra-special gift this year.
The Friends of the William Harvey Hospital worked with Made in Ashford to source unique, locally produced gifts to bring a smile to people who will be in hospital over the festive season.
And to ensure they comply with strict infection control measures at the hospital to keep everyone safe, the gifts were bought and wrapped early so they could be quarantined before Christmas.
Jill Barringer, manager of the Friends, said: “This year has been difficult for everyone, and we felt it was more important than ever to support our local businesses as well as our patients and staff.
“We’re delighted to have been able to buy most of our presents from Made in Ashford, our local hand-made, small business community.
“This means that most of the money spent will stay in the local economy, helping local businesses and families as well as spreading some much-needed festive cheer to our patients – a win all round!”
The group provides around 450 presents for patients each year, bringing smiles to those who are in hospital over Christmas.
The gifts are wrapped in wipeable envelopes also provided by the Friends, and hospital staff will give Santa a little extra help to deliver them on Christmas morning.
Anyone who wants to support the Friends can make a donation towards the cost of the presents at https://www.justgiving.com/fo-williamharvey
