Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre received heartwarming donation from Royal Infirmary workers

Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre in the south of Edinburgh have received a huge lift before Christmas thanks to a massive donation from workers at the transplant theatres at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.

Donation received by GNC from workers in the transplant theatres at the RIE

The donation was organised by Sharlene Philip, 34, who is the clinical lead for transplant theatres at the RIE.

Sharlene rallied her team to answer Goodtrees ‘Operation Christmas’ call that looks to ensure that local residents in their area get the support that they deserve.

She said: “During covid we have received immense support from society in a variety of different ways. And I simply wanted to give back to the local community in a similar way that we have been supported.

“We are lucky that we work for the NHS and have job security because I know there are a lot of people struggling more than ever just now. But the Goodtrees does amazing work for the local Community and I often see appeals which is why we chose them.

“We collected toys for all ages, food, some selection boxes and baby food. The staff were amazing and I couldn't have collected what I did without them.”

The staff at the RIE were so touched by the thank you they received from Goodtrees that they have now decided to do a baby only collection following a Goodtrees social media appeal.

John Beatson, programme manager at Goodtrees, said: “We were particularly worried about our operation Christmas this year, given the increase in demand for our service. With more and more people finding themselves down on their luck financially and less people able to donate due losses of employment during the pandemic - there was a worry

“We knew that this would have an impact on what we were able to offer. So, this is why people like Sharlene and her team mean so much to our Operation Christmas. Without them we couldn’t support the vulnerable families throughout the community. But thanks to their donations we can ensure this holiday season that everyone gets the Christmas they deserve.

“We were overwhelmed by the donation from the team at theatres RIE - especially given that they pulled this together as a team. We are grateful to them for the donation and for the lifesaving work they do every day.”

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