Christmas 2023 at The Archie Foundation
With the busy Christmas period over with for another year, we have had time to reflect on the hectic but magical period at The Archie Foundation! The month of December is filled with the Archie Advent – an initiative to fill December at R.A.C.H with an activity or funding every day until Christmas Day. From toy donations almost daily to the Aberdeen Football Club players making children’s (and staff!) day, to the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and APA’s Sleeping Beauty Panto Cast, it was a special time here at Archie that made memories for a lifetime.
We kicked off the festive period with a donation from Adesso Decor – an amazing Willy Wonka themed Christmas tree in the main reception area at R.A.C.H, the Oompa Loompas and Golden Tickets on the tree were a hit with everyone! This area has seen many choirs and music groups perform in front of it throughout the month – New Pitsligo & St Johns Primary School, Mintlaw Primary School, Dyce Primary School, and Music 4 U – what better way to kick off Christmas than with some festive songs to get us into the spirit!
The generosity we received from local businesses within the area was nothing short of amazing. We managed to fund vital services including 4 weeks of Archie’s Family Centre facilities, Archie books and bears to children on the wards, toys to top up the Archie Toy Boxes, funding for Christmas presents for homecare patients, six weekly ‘Create with Us’ art sessions, tasty treats for NHS staff, funding for emergency grants, arts and crafts for young patients, a hug in a mug for parents and R.A.C.H and funding for Christmas hampers. Thank you to our donors who continue to support us!
We also had some special visitors at R.A.C.H, to the absolute delight of the children and their families! Aberdeen Football Club players brought smiles to surprised children’s faces. It is amazing to have the support of our local team at Christmas time.
The North East Tartan Army donned their kilts and Santa hats to get on Santa’s nice list, and WOW were they successful! After crashing the tills at Smyths Toy Store, they made it, and took over R.A.C.H and the Neonatal Unit. There were lots of happy children on the wards that day, all thanks to the gang!
Sofina and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service sure did lift everyone’s spirits (…pun intended). The crew arrived in style, taking 6 fire engines including a cherry picker to lift Santa to the windows at R.A.C.H. Santa got to say Merry Christmas to all the amazed boys and girls! We can’t forget that Archie Bear made an important appearance alongside all the wonderful mascots too…
Oh no, it’s not… oh yes it is! It’s the cast of APA’s Sleeping Beauty at R.A.C.H! The cast spread their Christmas magic among the wards back in December, and it is safe to say the children were delighted. The annual visit brings staff and children some joy during difficult times – thank you so much to APA for the continued support!
On top of this, we welcomed multiple toy donations from the public which included baby and children’s toys, gift cards for teenagers, and lots of yummy chocolate selection boxes. It is so special to see local people within the community give to those in need, during what can be the toughest time of the year. The generosity we have seen from the general public over Christmas is truly magical, and we are so grateful for every ounce of support we have received.
Being able to provide a fun experience for children, families and staff so close to Christmas is so very important to us. We want to say a massive Archie thank you to each and every one of you who helped make a difference for babies, children and their families during Christmas – and of course beyond!
