NNUH launches Send a Smile with Santa Christmas appeal

Patients in hospital this Christmas are set to benefit from a charity appeal launched by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the Norwich Evening News, which aims to give a gift to every inpatient in hospital on Christmas Day.

The ‘Send a Smile with Santa’ campaign is encouraging local people and businesses to donate gifts, with the aim of collecting more than 1000 presents for patients.  A number of businesses have already pledged their support by acting as collection points for gifts around the county.

While many people, young and old, will be lucky enough to celebrate at home with their families this year, some will be spending their Christmas Day in hospital.

Emma McKay, Director of Nursing, said: “We do all we can to help as many children and adults as possible spend Christmas at home, but sometimes patients are too poorly and have to remain in hospital during the Christmas period.  Our staff work hard to make Christmas a happy time for patients and families, but to make it extra special we would be so grateful to the public if they were to help our campaign by donating gifts.  We’re determined that our patients do not miss out on the magic of Christmas simply because they are in hospital.”

The public can drop off presents at main NNUH reception desks and at the Archant building on Rouen Road in Norwich.

Gifts can also be donated at various Natwest branches across the county as well as their mobile facility Branch Nelson. In Norwich, the Castle Mall and Norwich Rail Station will also have collection points for donations.

Louise Cook NNUH Fundraising Manager commented: “This will be the second  year we’ve run our patient present appeal in collaboration with the Norwich Evening News. In past years, we’ve had such a heart-warming response from the people of Norfolk we were determined to set ourselves the challenge again this year. Our supporters seem very keen too; we were first asked about whether we would be running the campaign this year back in August!

“Donated gifts do not need to be large and can be items as simple as toiletries or a puzzle book. We are delighted that the Norwich Evening News is part of our campaign again this year and we hope that their many readers will get behind this appeal.”

All presents should remain unwrapped so that the hospital can ensure that presents are individually tailored and wrapped for each patient, as well as protecting against potential infection. In addition to gifts, the hospital would also welcome donations of wrapping paper and gift bags.

Unfortunately we are not able to accept homemade gifts, electrical items, sharp objects or any used goods.

For more information on the appeal, or to offer a drop off location, please contact Louise Cook on 01603 287107 or email Louise.Cook@nnuh.nhs.uk. Please ensure all presents are dropped off by Saturday 9th December 2017 to allow time for the hospital to wrap presents in preparation for Christmas Day.

Send a Smile for Santa launch at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Picture: ANTONY KELLY

The following Natwest branches are kindly accepting donations for the Send a Smile with Santa campaign:

Norwich Gentleman’s Walk

Norwich Boundary Road

Lowestoft

Diss

Beccles

Great Yarmouth

Gorleston

North Walsham

Cromer

Holt

Fakenham

East Dereham

Wymondham

Thetford

Branch Nelson (mobile)