A generous donation has been made to the children’s ward at University Hospital Crosshouse, coordinated by local man, Michael Kirkum, from Kilwinning.
Michael approached businesses and asked them to make a contribution and delivered the festive gifts, including toys and sweetie tubs, to delighted staff at the ward. The gifts will be distributed to those children who unfortunately have to be in hospital over the festive season. Michael and his son, also called Michael, have been making regular donations to the ward for over a decade, including their annual Easter egg donations.
Michael Kirkum Jnr also presented a cheque for £500 to Crosshouse Children’s Fund thanks to contributions and fundraising efforts from local businesses CJ Lang & Sons and Bank Street Auto. This generous donation will help toward the charity’s Colour For Crosshouse appeal which will create colourful, comfortable and welcoming wards for young patients, their families and the NHS staff who care for them.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Hospital Play Specialist Michelle Dodds said: “Having to stay in hospital is never easy, but it can be especially hard for children at this time of year. For many years now, Michael and the local businesses he approaches have helped bring joy to patients staying with us over the festive period. Their generosity is truly appreciated and we can’t thank them enough as the toy donation really cheers our young patients.”
Rebekah McGinn, Crosshouse Children’s Fund Fundraising Manager, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Michael once again for his amazing efforts in gathering and donating these gifts. The presents will spread so much joy to Ayrshire’s children and young people in hospital over Christmas.
“We’d also like to thank all of the generous Ayrshire businesses who came together to support Michael in another successful collection.”
Anyone looking to donate to Crosshouse Children’s Fund or find out more about their work can do so on their website: www.crosshousechildrensfund.org