In keeping with Aaron’s love of Christmas, it has become a tradition for the ALF to provide gifts each year to nominated families, individuals or groups. Not only does this bring great comfort to his family and friends at a difficult time of year, it also brings joy to those in need in a way that Aaron would have wanted to do himself.
This year, Santa’s ALF Helpers have been very busy delivering (and building) gifts for the Paediatric Emergency Department at Southend Hospital. Following a conversation with department Senior Sister Karen Flack, a list was provided from which the team were hoping to receive one or two items mainly to replace things that had been removed for patient safety during Covid-19. As Karen explained to Helen Lewis ‘These items provide distractions for the children while they are undergoing scary or unpleasant procedures. Anything that helps ease that moment and allow the staff to perform their vital duties is hugely beneficial.’
The ALF leadership were so moved by the work of the department, and the impact these gifts would have, that they were unable to prioritise one item over another and agreed to provide everything requested. This included a ceiling projector, white noise machine, DVD player, I-pad with stand and a play kitchen unit (that kept Santa’s ALF Helpers very busy building for several hours!).
None of this (or all that we have achieved this year) would have been possible without the continued kindness and generosity of our supporters – thank you and Happy Christmas to you all from the Aaron Lewis Foundation team.