This year given the restrictions on face-to-face contact, instead of our usual custom of gifting hampers, the UK’s largest stockist of plastic and aluminium bottles, jars, containers, and accessories, BlueSky, has donated £10,000 to NHS Charities Together (https://www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/). This is in recognition and appreciation of the NHS’ role during the ongoing pandemic and to give back to the medical professionals that put themselves at risk every day to keep us all safe.
In March NHS Charities launched their Covid-19 Appeal to acknowledge and support NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by Covid-19 across the country. They have raised over £140 million so far, with funds meeting urgent needs such as providing somewhere comfortable so staff and volunteers could take a break; electronic tablets so patients, staff and volunteers could stay in contact with loved ones; bereavement support for families who lost loved ones; and counselling for staff to protect their mental health and help them process what they were dealing with. BlueSky recognised that these services are more important than ever given the challenges that everyone has faced throughout the pandemic.
The funds donated by BlueSky will help NHS Charities to continue to support the health and emotional wellbeing of NHS staff, volunteers, and patients during these particularly challenging times.