Christmas is only a few weeks away and no doubt lots of people are already looking forward to celebrating and spending time with loved-ones. However, for some people Christmas is a tough time to get through, particularly this year in light of the current economic crisis.
In the past, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of staff to provide support for others with donations, so we are hoping to do it all again this December. We are therefore encouraging teams to collect items for the Newcastle West End Foodbank, as well as the Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter in Benton.
Both the Food Bank and the Shelter work incredibly hard throughout the year to make sure that people – and animals – in crisis get support, but Christmas is often their busiest time, and you can help make sure that they have the supplies they need to meet this increased need.
Collection day will be Friday 9 December and if you would like to offer your support, these are some of the items the teams are looking for:
Items for Food Banks
- Festive food treats – for example puddings, cakes, chocolate, sweets.
- Non-perishable foods – especially tinned fish, tinned fruit, cereal, rice (500g or less), curry sauce, pasta sauce.
Items for Cat and Dog Shelter
- Cats – kitten food in jelly (Whiskas or Felix), cat beds, small blankets, knitted blankets, fleece blankets, scratching posts, cat toys.
- Dogs – poop bags, hot dogs, dog treats, towels, blankets, dog toys, sheets, duvet covers.
Please ensure items are within use by/best before date and are boxed and clearly labelled Food Bank or Dog/Cat Shelter.
All items must be at dropped off on Friday 9 December as we have arranged collection with a courier. Time slots have been allocated to each area, visit the intranet for more information.
In the meantime, please start collecting in your local areas in preparation for drop-off on 9 December. You can download posters from our intranet to help promote the collection with your teams.
For colleagues in Cumbria, we will share details regarding how you can also take part soon.
Some other things to look out for over the Christmas period include:
A Gift of Festive Kindness
The more organised among you may be well on your way with your gift shopping! If you need some inspiration, Newcastle Hospitals Charity has launched three new gift cards, each supporting a different area of Newcastle Hospitals, so you can choose a cause that is close to your heart. They can be purchased from just £10. Find out more and purchase your cards here.
Save the Date: Illuminations
Once again, our hospitals will be lit with festive lights as we head into this special season, thanks to support from Newcastle Hospitals Charity. We’d encourage as many staff as possible (and patients where appropriate) to attend the switch-on events. They’re sure to be a lot of fun, with musical entertainment, special guests, and refreshments too.
- RVI – outside New Vic Wing entrance: Wednesday 30 November, 4.15pm – 5.15pm.
- Freeman – on the grass outside the main entrance: Thursday 1 December, 4.15pm – 5.15pm.
- We will be announcing details regarding Cumbria soon.
Christmas Jumper and Socks Day
It’s the time of year when tradition dictates that we can don those Christmas jumpers or socks that you would have been too embarrassed to wear in public at any other time.
This year we would like to invite staff to wear their favourite Christmas jumper or socks on Thursday 8 December.
Perhaps your team or department want to add to the fun by competing for a best jumper or socks prize? You could even ask colleagues to make a donation to Newcastle Hospitals Charity too, find out more here. We would love to see your photos so please share them with us.