New Inverness children's unit receives £25,000 boost
An innovative project to develop a new children’s unit at Raigmore Hospital is to receive a £25,000 boost.
The ARCHIE Foundation is one of four Highland organisations which have been awarded more than £40,000 from The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation. The charity manages personal legacies left by Gordon and Ena Baxter of the world-famous Baxters Food Group based in Moray.
The ARCHIE Foundation launched the £2 million Highland Children’s Unit Appeal, in conjunction with The Inverness Courier, to develop a more family-friendly children’s department. With just £200,000 left to raise, work has started on the new unit which is due to open its doors in March.
The money from The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation will go towards creating a special family room.
Kay Jackson, the foundation’s manager, said: "The foundation and the Baxter family have supported the ARCHIE Foundation over many years. We hope our contribution will help them reach their target in creating a dedicated facility which will make a positive impact on the many children and families they care for."
Catherine Murray John, the ARCHIE Foundation’s head of trusts and foundations, said the organisation was "truly grateful". "The Highland Children’s Unit Appeal will make a huge difference to sick children throughout the Highlands and Western Isles now and for many years to come," she said.
The Maggie’s Centre, Highland Wildlife Park and the National Youth Choir of Scotland have also received awards.
The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation awards funds twice a year to groups working in education, health, social welfare, sport, arts, heritage, conservation and the environment in the north east of Scotland and the Highlands and Islands. This year, it has awarded donations of more than £200,000.
* A well-known Inverness personality is pledging his support to the Highland Children's Unit Appeal. Buy Friday's Inverness Courier to find out who it is and how he intends to raise money.
