A children’s hospice has launched its new Virtual Gifts webpage – giving the public an opportunity to buy meaningful presents that keep on giving this Christmas. The initiative is now live on the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) website and features five options – Gift of Comfort, Gift of Play, Gift of Compassion, Gift of Memories and Gift of Creativity. They range from £15 to £40 and allow people to buy and personalise a gift, while directly helping children, young people and families being cared for and supported by EACH. “We’re very proud of our Virtual Gifts,” said EACH Director of Fundraising Kevin Clements. “It’s a simple way to donate, while at the same time treating someone special to a meaningful present that keeps on giving. “We all have family and friends who are difficult to buy for but this is a new way to get something special, while making a significant difference to our charity. “Every purchase will help support children and young people with life-threatening conditions, and their families, across East Anglia.” Gift of Comfort (£15) could pay for an hour with a care assistant, Gift of Play (£15) could put a smile on a child’s face as they discover inclusive and accessible play for their abilities and Gift of Creativity (£24) could pay for an hour of music or art therapy. Gift of Memories (£35) could pay for a memory-making kit full of activities for the whole family while Gift of Compassion (£40) could pay for two hours of bereavement support with a specialist EACH counsellor. A card acknowledging the gift can be sent to the recipient and there is an opportunity to add a personalised message. To find out more, click here or head to each.org.uk/virtual-gifts In addition to its Virtual Gifts webpage, EACH is again politely requesting that people consider giving a monetary donation, rather than buying a physical gift, this Christmas. Kind-hearted members of the public often donate toys and books for children at the hospices. However, many are unsuitable because of the children’s varied physical and cognitive abilities. Monetary donations can be put towards running activities and support groups, providing short breaks at one of the hospices or extra support in the family home. It could also help fund a visit by a specialist nurse or pay for family members to spend time with a counsellor or therapist. “Christmas is approaching and, as ever, we hope to make this festive season extra special for the children, young people and families receiving our care and support,” added Kevin. “We know the public are always keen to help us and appreciate the generosity continually shown to EACH. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without it. “This year, as before, we’re politely requesting monetary donations, rather than physical gifts. “Monetary donations help in so many ways, including being used to run activities and support groups for families, giving them the chance to create memories and have fun. “The money could also fund short breaks at our hospices, allowing parents and carers to rest and recharge their batteries, or a visit by one of our specialist nurses, to help a child who is experiencing difficult symptoms. “This ‘gift of care’ really does make the world of difference to the lives of the families we support and we thank you once again for your support, kindness and understanding this Christmas.” EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. It has three hospices – The Nook, in Framingham Earl, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. Image credits – EACH
