An elfy dose of Friday generosity to three Oxford healthcare institutions
Today has been another super Sleigh2Give day.
Today we delivered hundreds of presents to children and families in hospital, and terminally ill youngsters at our local hospice, and what a feelgood Friday it was!
Today Elf Andy and Santa (yes really!) delivered hundreds of gifts – all thanks to the enormous generosity of our community – to Oxford Children’s Hospital, SSNAP – Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents and Helen & Douglas House.
Literally hundreds of gifts from all new toys including Lego sets, story books, puzzles, games, selection boxes, toiletries, baby bibs, fleece blankets to sensory toys and adult mindfulness colouring books were just some delivered to be given out over the Christmas period to spread “cheer, joy and smiles” and “lift spirits” on the faces of poorly babies, children, teens, the families and the siblings at some of the most difficult, challenging and hard times, and of course not forgetting gifts for the incredible NHS Heroes who literally are the backbone of these incredible institutions.
These gifts was only possible thanks to the Didcot and wider community who donated presents at many of our donation points including supermarket shoppers, to schools and groups, sports clubs, offices and individuals, or financial donations made, all to help make the festive season more special and ensure that a child’s life is brightened.
Supporting all three of these incredible healthcare organisations as are so many of the children, health and disability causes we support align closely with our ethos of “changing, transforming and saving lives”.
Today we got to meet two parents whose baby is currently staying in the NCU of the JR who dropped by the SSNAP for some comfort from the family support team, and they so grateful for our generosity, that meeting parents and hearing their experiences first hand knowing how much the impact of our efforts and work makes truly makes it even more special, and heartfelt.
We must also add a special thank you to Zororo of Driving Miss Daisy Didcot – who adopted us as their charity partner in 2021 – for kindly providing transportation and helping us to deliver our gifts.
We also presented Zoro with P2GHero medals and certificates of appreciation for the amazing ÂŁ678 she and her husband Terence raised by taking on the Great South Challenge last year.
Everyday at Play2Give is a giving day, and today is one of those inspiring and moving days.
Monday will see gifts delivered to Thomley and Oxford’s Viking House, and end of next week we hope to deliver toys to Didcot Foodbank – to ensure no child from financially struggling families go without – and the Royal Berks Hospital children’s wards on Tuesday.
Once again we would like to say an enormous thank you for all who’ve so generously donated to our Sleigh2Give 8 appeal this year.
