Case Study:
Christmas came early for the children at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Shetland after toys were donated to NHS Shetland Children’s ward by Cooke Aquaculture Scotland in December 2022.
NHS Shetland said it could be an “unsettling time for many” being in the hospital, and that these toys “will certainly help to bring a smile to their face.”
Community Children’s Nurses, Jenn Henderson and Lara White, accompanied Cooke employees, Katrine Johnson (CAS Shetland Seawater Office Manager) and Emma Coote (Communications Coordinator), to Harry’s Toy Shop in Lerwick to select the toys. The Children’s Nurses both had an idea in mind of what would be suitable for the children to play with during their hospital visit. Lego, colouring books, pencils and games such as Uno or Top Trumps are always popular choices. They also purchased small activities suitable for babies and toddlers.
Harry’s Toy Shop Manager, Stewart Jamieson, helped the team tally up the toys and the group bagged the goodies in our environmentally friendly, Cooke canvas bags. Emma said: “It was also a great opportunity to support a local business when purchasing the toys. Recent years have been tough on local businesses due to COVID-19 and the lockdowns, so supporting local, was another key priority for Cooke when making this purchase.”
Cooke Aquaculture’s Katrine Johnson said they were delighted to help: “If a toy can bring some comfort to a sick child, and make the whole hospital experience a little less scary, then we couldn’t think of a more worthy cause.”
The children take the toys home with them at the end of their hospital visit. Roman Lucock and his dad, James are pictured here with some Cooke toys after Roman had a visit to the hospital in December 2022.
Jenn, the Community Children’s Nurse said, the toys would make “such a difference’ to the bairns. We are very thankful to Cooke for their kindness.”