A community led toy appeal in the Highlands has brought festive cheer to children and families supported by The Archie Foundation this Christmas.
The appeal was organised by Munro & Noble, the largest legal firm in the Highlands, which created toy drop off points at its Property Shops in Inverness, Dingwall and Tain to encourage donations from across the region.
Local craftsman Mark Barclay of Mark Barclay Joinery added a special touch by building a custom made sleigh to collect the donated gifts.
The toys were distributed to children and young people receiving care at the Birnie Centre and the Highland Children’s Unit within Raigmore Hospital in Inverness over the festive period.
The response from the community was overwhelming, with donations coming from Munro & Noble staff, members of the public and businesses across the Highlands.
Among the most generous contributions was a £1,000 donation of presents from Strath Civil Engineering.
Delivery day was turned into a celebration in its own right, with Steven Barclay of Barclay & Daughters Transport transporting the toys through Inverness city centre on the purpose built sleigh mounted on the back of a truck.
Santa Claus joined the journey, delighting onlookers before handing out gifts to children receiving care at the hospital units.
Jacqueline Brown, Head of Marketing at Munro & Noble and a long time supporter of The Archie Foundation, said the response had exceeded expectations.
“The response to the toy appeal has been fantastic to see.
“We were overwhelmed by the generosity shown by our colleagues, local businesses and members of the public.”
William Nimmo, an Archie patron, said the appeal showed the strength of community spirit across the Highlands.
“It’s been heart warming to see the whole community come together to support children and families at what can be a difficult time of year for those receiving medical care.”
Lucy Barclay of Barclay & Daughters said the experience had been deeply personal for her family.
“My daughter Daisy loved seeing her Gaga dressed up as Santa, and it was great that the children and young people that The Archie Foundation supports have received an extra special surprise this Christmas.
“We were overwhelmed by the support from the public as we travelled through the town up to the Children’s Unit and the Birnie Centre.”
The Archie Foundation provides financial and emotional support to babies, children and families across the north of Scotland during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Neil McGregor, Business Development and Fundraising Manager at The Archie Foundation, said initiatives like the toy appeal make a real difference.
“No one wants to see their child spend the festive season in hospital, yet initiatives such as this toy drive make what can be an incredibly tough time for families that little bit easier.
“The support the local community has shown has been amazing and the children were so happy to receive their gifts.”
The Archie Foundation has supported families across the north of Scotland for 25 years, funding specialist roles and projects at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, the Highland Children’s Unit, Tayside Children’s Hospital and Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.
