Springtime is usually high season for our hotel partners, with local resorts usually set to welcome visitors in their droves. Yet with the travel sector all but shut down, we decided to gift the miniature toiletries and trade supplies to those that need them most. To help lift the spirits of those working on the front line, we're donating over 38,000 of our bath & body care products to key workers around the country this week. From nurses and doctors to carers and pharmacists, it's our way of saying thank you to our wonderful key workers for the incredible work they are doing during this difficult time. We hope the gifts will deliver some much-needed rejuvenation for those working hardest during this uncertain time, boosting their mental wellbeing and knowing that others are thinking of them. Andrew Russell, Sales & Marketing Director at ARRAN Sense of Scotland The care packages, made up of miniature shower gels, body lotions, soaps and hand gels from our signature collections, are being gifted to over 100 care homes and hospitals throughout the country. These include the Ayrshire Hospice in Ayr and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. A donation will also be sent to our charity partners, Age Scotland, for the key workers at Age Scotland’s office in Edinburgh and in Age Scotland’s partner groups – including those running befriending services, food deliveries to elderly residents and care home staff. Staff at the Medical Photography Unit in NHS Ayrshire and Arran received their donations earlier this week. Our Sales & Marketing Director, Andrew Russell, said: “Normally at this time of year at ARRAN Sense of Scotland, we would be supporting our hospitality and tourism clients get ready to relax and rejuvenate the thousands of visitors who come to these shores for their holiday or weekend break. “With another cycle of lockdown just confirmed no one knows when those hardest at work in our country will get a chance to take a break, nor enjoy the kindness and hospitality of our clients. “Therefore, in the spirit of ARRAN Sense of Scotland, we are donating over £100,000 of miniature products that you would normally find in those guest bedrooms to the amazing people providing front line care in the community and our care homes across the country. "We hope the gifts will deliver some much-needed rejuvenation for those working hardest during this uncertain time, boosting their mental wellbeing and knowing that others are thinking of them. “We have already sent out thousands of ARRAN products and been overwhelmed to hear the difference it is making. We will do as much as we can to bring a little relaxation and rejuvenation whilst looking forward to when the hospitality industry can begin to welcome everyone once again.” Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager at Ayrshire Hospice, which received its gifts this week said: “Thank you most sincerely for donating the lovely goodie bags, filled with beautiful ARRAN Sense of Scotland products, to our 150 staff still working at Ayrshire Hospice in the current situation of Covid-19. This is such a lovely gesture and an excellent idea to put a smile on the faces of all our amazing key workers. The Ayrshire Hospice provides outstanding quality care and services which helps those with any life-limiting illness. Care is provided where there is no cure for the condition, but which improves the quality of each day for people who have a limited time to live. At the Ayrshire Hospice, we provide a friendly, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for all our patients, their families and carers. Whether they are at home, in the hospice or in hospital, all our patients receive their care at no cost to themselves or their families. This, of course, is only possible due to the ongoing and unstinting support of many organisations, businesses and individuals who give so kindly to our work. Our hospice relies on the kindness and goodwill of individuals and organisations within our community so thank you for supporting Ayrshire Hospice in such a meaningful way.” Karen Landels, charge nurse at the Theatre Suite, Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, which also received its gifts this week said: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your donation arrived today, and I am completely overwhelmed by your generosity. This means so much. I will ensure everyone in the department receives your lovely products. On behalf of NHS Fife please pass on my heartfelt thanks to your colleagues, the boost this gives staff during this challenging time is immeasurable.” Supporting our local community is at the heart of what we do. During periods of uncertainty, it's vital that we pull together to help those around us. From donating 15,000 soaps to residents on our island home to donating products to the homeless via Simon Community Scotland's #GiveHope appeal, we are doing everything we can to support those around us during this difficult time. Staff at the Victoria Hospital in Kircaldy with their donations.
