Haskins raises festive spirits by donating to two local charities

Bluefin Children’s Ward at Worthing Hospital and Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice in Arundel received Christmas toy donations from Haskins’ centre in Roundstone.

Haskins Garden Centre in Roundstone, West Sussex, is supporting two charities in the local area with 50 cuddly toys each as part of its Christmas charity donations in 2023.

Bluefin Ward is a paediatric unit based within Worthing Hospital in West Sussex. The unit provides specialist care to babies, children, and adolescents who have been admitted to the hospital to create an environment that is better suited to their needs.

Roundstone will also be supporting Chestnut Tree House, a local children’s hospice based in Arundel. Chestnut Tree House offers specialist care for children and young people in Sussex with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and support for their families – from fun activities and respite breaks to end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Nick Joad, Centre Manager Haskins Roundstone, said:

“The team at Haskins Roundstone is delighted that we are able to increase our impact on young people in the local community through these two donations.

“Our Roundstone centre is closely connected to the local community, and it brings us immense pride that we have been able to build on our strong relationship with Bluefin Children’s Ward. This year we have been able to extend this support to Chestnut Tree House, further growing our connection to the local area and allowing us to make an even larger impact.”

Hayley Edwards, Hospital Play Assistant at Bluefin Ward, said:

“On behalf of Bluefin Ward and our dedicated NHS charity, My University Hospitals Sussex Charity, we are so grateful to be receiving this donation. These toys are a lovely gift to share with our patients during the festive season; it will definitely raise their spirits and I’m sure they will appreciate them hugely.”

Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice expressed their gratitude for Haskins’ generous support for those under their care. Caroline Roberts-Quigley, Community Fundraiser for Chestnut Tree House said: “It’s so heartwarming to see children and families who face immensely challenging circumstances receive this support from Haskins. The small things like this donation make a big difference to them and their families and we’re really grateful for that.”

In total, Haskins has donated over 500  cuddly toys to charities across the south this festive season, as part of a continuing mission to support the local communities in which each centre sits.