Retail BID Birmingham has been working closely with its member businesses to say a big thank-you to the NHS heroes of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Foundation Trust by donating over 1,500 Easter eggs to doctors, nurses and support staff.
City centre stores Debenhams and Selfridges have donated the treats as a morale boost for medics at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19.
John Lewis has also donated hundreds of items of cosmetics and hand creams for NHS workers whose skin may be suffering from increased sanitary routines.
Retail BID’s city centre security patrol teams are now including the Children’s Hospital and surrounding areas in their patrol area to help NHS staff get to and from work safely and the BID is lighting the trees blue along New Street, High Street and Lower Temple Street every Thursday evening to join the nation’s #clapforourcarers show of appreciation for the NHS.
Louise McCathie, Director of Fundraising at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals Charity, said: “What a fantastic surprise for our wonderful colleagues. I am in absolute awe of our amazing staff members, who are currently going beyond the call of duty to care for and protect some of the most vulnerable members of society.
“We’re so thankful to the team at Retail BID Birmingham for organising this gift, and of course to Selfridges and Debenhams for donating the Easter eggs. They will give the NHS heroes at our hospitals just the boost they need.”
Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals Charity has launched an emergency COVID-19 Appeal after what has been a historic and unprecedented few weeks for the entire country, as the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold.
The NHS is leading the fight against COVID-19 and dedicated teams at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Women’s Hospital – from porters to doctors, nurses to porters – are doing all they can to care for those most at risk, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, young mental health patients and those with underlying health issues.
Capacity at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, including the number of intensive care beds, has been significantly increased to take on more of the region’s sickest children, in order to relieve pressure on other NHS Trusts dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
Funds raised from Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals Charity’s emergency COVID-19 Appeal will be directed towards supporting its NHS heroes on the frontline and the women, children and families in the hospitals’ care.
Michael Weber, Director of Food at Selfridges, said: “During this uncertain time, we are seeking to support the charities and medical professionals whose heroic efforts are helping our communities deal with the effects of coronavirus. We hope these small gestures help to brighten up the days of those working so hard to help those in need.”
Retail BID Manager Steve Hewlett added: “The retailers were really keen to support the staff at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals at such a difficult time and I’m glad the Retail BID team were able to play their part to help make this happen. It’s just a small token of our gratitude to all of the hard working staff at both hospitals.”
To find out more or make a donation to the COVID-19 Appeal at Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity, please click here or to support the appeal at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, go here.
