The Archie Foundation has found a new way to spread the word about its good work after bagging a donation worth almost £10,000 from a Scottish company
Father and son business Jutexpo has presented the official charity of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital with 3,000 jute bags to sell on in order to raise vital funds.
Sam Turner, director of the Lanarkshire-based company, had originally wanted to work with a supermarket chain to distribute the Archie-branded items when the 5p carrier bag charge was introduced across Scotland last year.
But when the supermarket pulled out, Mr Turner decided to work directly with Archie to support the charity’s work with young patients and their families from across the north-east, the Highlands, Orkney and Shetland.
Mr Turner said: “I had this grand idea to try to do something around the bag tax in aid of children’s hospitals around Scotland.
“We were looking to work with a supermarket, but as it became less and less possible, rather than letting the guys at Archie down I wanted to help them out.”
At £3 each, the stylish bags come in a variety of designs, including cotton and jute.
By selling them to supporters, the Archie Foundation aims to raise £9,000 – more than enough to refurbish a child’s room at the hospital, another vital step in the charity’s High 10 appeal.
Mr Turner continued: “My three-year-old daughter Emily had a liver transplant in a children’s hospital, which is where my awareness of children’s hospitals came from. After learning how important fundraising is for these places I wanted to make a difference.
“The support for the kids, mums, dads, brothers and sisters given by Archie is incredible.
“The thing with charity bags is it’s not just about the donation. Because they’re reusable they are fantastic ways to spread the word and raise awareness when you’re out shopping.”
The room being refurbished with the cash raised from bag sales will be named after Mr Turner’s daughters Emily and Zoe.
The carriers can be bought directly from the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital itself, Raigmore Hospital, Tayside Children’s Hospital or by calling 01224 559559.