Frimley Health Charity launched their first Golden Christmas Appeal in November 2021 and were blown away by the response the appeal had over the festive period.

The Golden Christmas Appeal’s aim was to bring joy and light to our hospitals over Christmas – for staff, patients and visitors.

COVID19 had meant that in 2020 patients couldn’t have visitors and that we weren’t able to decorate wards, waiting areas or reception and that Christmas couldn’t be celebrated in the traditional ways, with carolling and Santa visits – and Frimley Health Charity wanted to make sure that 2021 was different – and that people could start to feel Christmassy in the run up to the festive season.

The team spoke to staff members about what they would like for Christmas and what Christmas was like for staff working, what patients would want for Christmas and how the charity could support them over one of the busiest times of year.

Based on feedback -and with your support we were able to ensure we brought joy and light to our hospitals this Christmas. We were able to deliver Golden decorations to wards and outpatient areas – brightening up waiting areas and wards and making them feel more festive in the run up to Christmas. We also created hampers for staff – full of Christmas treats – that staff could have together over Christmas – bringing some joy to their working day.

For patients we distributed presents – so on Christmas Day they had something to open, as they couldn’t be with their loved ones at home.

We sent a direct mail pack out to our supporters – with gold stars in that people could send back with a message for staff and patients. We had over 200 stars returned which we distributed on trees across the trust.

Due to the incredible response the appeal had from our supporters and local community we were able to raise an incredible £28,000 – allowing us to truly bring joy and light to the hospital at Christmas.

Thank you!