Improving facilities on children’s ward by drinking coffee
Peter and Nicola O’Hara wanted to show their gratitude to the Raigmore Hospital after their two boys received treatment on the children’s ward. They organised a coffee morning and it was something of a success. The grateful parents from Inverness raised £800 at the event and the proceeds are intended to contribute towards an appeal for a new children’s ward as reported in the Inverness Courier.
Coffee mornings have long been a traditional way to kick-start fundraising and this case was no exception. Many traditional stalls were also used at the coffee morning, including raffles and home baking. The local community was also involved, as among the raffle prizes were signed football tops from local teams, hampers and a golf round at Fairways.
The appeal for the hospital ward aims for one million pounds and the campaign was launched by the local press and also the ARCHIE Foundation. This latter foundation was born in 2000 to raise moneys for a children’s hospital in Aberdeen, so that the treatment and facilities funding by the NHS could be upgraded to a world class quality. By December 2003, the foundation had raised over £5 million (which exceeded its target of £3m).
Mr and Mrs O’Hara are quoted as hoping that their efforts will also elevate the quality of treatment in the Raigmore Hospital to provide cutting-edge facilities. It is a shining example of how everyone can make a difference to their local communities with some determination.