Over 100 girls aged five to 14 years old collected toiletries and other items such as pens, pads and toothbrushes to make 200 comfort bags for patients and families at Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals. The Rainbows, Brownies and Guides made the bags and included hand-made cards.
The bags will be distributed in the hospital by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) to help patients and relatives who are in hospital in emergency situations have a more comfortable stay.
“I really enjoyed making the bags, especially colouring the notes in,” said one of the Rainbows.
“The girls really got into collecting items and enjoyed visiting the hospital as part of this very practical community action project,” says Guide Leader Cara Cooper. “Community action and helping other people is an important part of Girlguiding, and making it fun and relevant helps girls of all ages think about how they can get involved”.
Shelly Thake, Addenbrooke’s Charity’s CEO, said: “What the girls have done is truly amazing. Such a thoughtful and helpful idea. I know that this will be truly appreciated by the patients who benefit. This ACT of kindness is a great example of the many ways in which our supporters get involved. From fundraising to volunteering, it all helps make such a difference to the hospital’s staff and patients. We are so grateful to have such incredible support. Thank you.”
Helen Balsdon, Associate Director of Nursing at Addenbrooke’s, said: “This is such a thoughtful thing to do and will give great comfort to our patients and to families who may find themselves having to rush to hospital without much notice. ACT also funds sleep packs to help patients get some sleep on the often noisy wards. It’s the little extras like these that make all the difference. From myself, the patients and their families, a heartfelt thank you.”
These little bags make a big difference! If you are a group interested in creating similar bags, please get in touch with Addenbrooke’s Charity on 01223 217757.
Image: Rainbows, Brownies and Guides with some of the bags they presented along with two Leaders (Cara Cooper and Shelly Palazzo) from Cambridge City South East District; Roland Sinker, Addenbrooke’s Chief Executive and Annie Cornwell from ACT.