Staff at Newcastle Hospitals have responded generously to a call to donate to local people and animals in need this Christmas.
Over the last few years, it has become a trust tradition to collect for Newcastle’s foodbank and dog and cat shelter.
This year, departments again responded in droves to make sure both charities had the supplies they need, with the van delivering items packed to burst.
Over 737kg of items was collected for the foodbank team who said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Newcastle Hospitals who have provided donations this Christmas. Your generosity enables the Foodbank to help people across the city who are struggling to afford food and household essentials.
“On behalf of our all our beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and trustees, we thank you for your kindness and community spirit in support of Newcastle Foodbank.”
Both the foodbank and the shelter work incredibly hard throughout the year to make sure that people and animals in crisis get support, with Christmas being their busiest time.
Iain Riddell, Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter added: “We are incredibly grateful to Newcastle Hospitals for their generous donation, which will make a real difference to the lives of the animals in our care.
“Donations like this are vital in helping us provide the essential food, medical treatment, and enrichment our animals need while they wait for their forever homes. On behalf of everyone at the Shelter, thank you for your support.”
Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive at Newcastle Hospitals, said: “It is amazing to see the number of donations received from so many of our departments across the trust.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff who have taken the time to organise a collection and to all those involved in making this donation.
“This act of kindness clearly demonstrates that the team at Newcastle Hospitals is not just caring for our patients but also for the wider community that we serve.”
