Queen’s launch Toy Appeal for NI Children's Hospice

Queen's University has launched its annual Toy Appeal for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

Last year, the Appeal, which is fast becoming a Christmas tradition at the University, received over 350 gifts and toys of fantastic quality, while staff also handed over £902 with an additional £322 from the Armagh campus.

This year Queen's head porter Chris Shannon and his team of dedicated helpers have launched a fresh campaign to do even more to help this local charity at the festive season.

"I would love to be able to increase our support to the Hospice at this seasonal time of year," said Chris. "As before, the focal point for the Appeal will be the Christmas tree in the Administration Building around which colleagues may leave their gifts. But, we're also more than happy to take donations in cash, and know that this money will be specifically allocated to sponsoring a Christmas party for the Hospice children and their families.

“Financial donations will really make a big difference to the work the hospice does,” Chris added. “In 2004/5 they must raise £1.5 million to provide care at the Children's Hospice and in the community. With no government funding it therefore depends entirely on the local community to maintain the vital services provided.”

Toys and cash donations – by the appeal deadline of 20 December - can be left at a number of collection points throughout the campus including porters' offices at the Ashby Building, David Keir Building, Newforge, Medical Biology Centre, the Administration Building, the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Peter Froggatt Centre.

(MB/SP)