Evening Express joins campaign to buy comfort boxes for NHS workers

The Evening Express in Aberdeen is backing a campaign to provide NHS workers in North East Scotland with comfort boxes.

Alongside radio station Original 106, the Evening Express is supporting NHS Grampian Endowment Fund’s scheme to deliver comfort boxes to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals across the region.

These packages contain items like Pot Noodles, tea, coffee and toiletries, as well as drawings from children to offer them some cheer.

It is hoped businesses from across the north-east will join in the initiative and donate items.

The first comfort boxes were delivered to workers at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary last week, with more than 100 being handed out.

Evening Express editor Craig Walker said: “Even before Covid-19 the NHS had a special place in all our hearts, but their dedication and bravery during these last few weeks has been nothing short of breathtaking.

“This appeal is a way of thanking them all — and not just the doctors and nurses. Many other NHS Grampian staff are just as important in this fight, like the army of porters, cleaners, drivers and carers.”

Martin Ingram, Original 106’s programme controller, said: “NHS staff and volunteers during this time are proving to be heroic and selfless, even more so than normal.

“The Thursday night applause is a fantastic expression of appreciation but Original 106 listeners have told us they want to do something more tangible.

“I am delighted that Original 106 is part of this drive to give something back to our NHS heroes.”

Operational manager of NHS Grampian charities Sheena Lonchay said the boxes are for any health service staff.

She said: “This is for all the NHS Grampian workers who are working flat out and we want to do our bit to help them.

“It is an assorted box for all the teams working for the health service and includes doctors, nurses, porters and drivers.

“This might just let the staff know we are all right behind them. We want them all to feel a part of this.”

Comfort boxes will also go out to staff working at Aberdeen’s and Aberdeenshire’s respective health and social care partnerships.

Sheena said they are hoping more businesses from around the north-east will donate items to ensure they can continue to supply goods to health service staff.

How to donate

Any companies looking to donate items for the comfort boxes can visit the Fine Peace Cafe on Eday Walk between 9am and noon or contact nhgs.involve@nhs.net

What’s needed

The kind of items the NHS Grampian Endowment Fund wants include juice, cereal bars, face wipes, hand cream and any foods that can be prepared with a kettle.

How to donate cash

Cash donations to support the delivery of comfort boxes can be made to the Coronavirus Support Fund at www.nhsgcharities.com/donate