‘People in the Highlands need Archie Foundation’s aid more than ever’
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A drive to provide more emergency support to children and families when they need it most is being launched by local charity Archie Foundation as it celebrates its 12th anniversary this month.
Seeing greater than ever demand for financial assistance against a backdrop of rising food, transport and energy costs, Archie Highland is also preparing for its biggest ever fundraising challenge.
Leading local solicitor Mary Nimmo, chairwoman of Archie Highland, said: “If a child needs to be admitted to Raigmore Hospital urgently or unexpectedly, we’re there to help with travel costs, accommodation or cash to buy essential items for their child.
“Evidence clearly shows that people need our backing more than ever in these challenging times – and we want to keep being there for them through our emergency grant support scheme.
“When family budgets are stretched, our assistance is vital to enable the child in hospital to secure the visits and support he or she needs.”
Archie Highland raised £2 million to fund the opening of Raigmore’s acclaimed state of the art Children’s Unit in 2016 and has since rolled out a stream of projects to benefit babies, children and families.
Ms Nimmo added: “We’re immensely fortunate to have so many supporters for our various initiatives around the Children’s Unit. We’re extremely grateful – but, 12 years on, we need them, and new volunteers, more than ever.
“For instance, we’re asking volunteers to walk or run a mile a day during March to raise £25 for Archie Highland.
“And we’re rolling out our series of big-ticket events which do so much to fund our efforts.”
Events include a Golf Day at King’s Club, Inverness (May 5), Prosecco Picnics at Culloden House Hotel (July 1 and 2), and Moonlight Ball at Drumossie Hotel, Inverness (October 27).
Last year these events raised a total in excess of £130,000 – seen as absolutely pivotal to the charity’s role.
Archie Highland is continuing to make a difference in healthcare and bereavement care. It also supports NHS outreach clinics as well as providing an array of toys, arts and crafts for boys and girls in the ward.
Ambassador Kenny Smith, lead singer of the band Torridon, said: “Archie does so much to bring comfort and respite to anxious parents.
“It’s an amazing cause, so important to our communities.
“That’s why we urge anyone to help – again, or for the first time – to do their bit to ensure this hugely worthwhile charity can keep on doing such wonderful work.”
