Evelina Children’s Hospital is calling on local people, schoolchildren and workers to dress in their most colourful clothes to help them buy a new MRI scanner, Katherine Johnston writes…
The hospital, based on the grounds of St Thomas’ Hospital, hopes to raise £15,000 from this February’s Get Colourful’ fundraising campaign.
Each year the hospital holds a dress down day where staff and visitors donate £2 to wear bright clothing and raise funds for seriously ill children and their families.
This year’s event takes place at the hospital on Thursday, February 22, with staff and visitors told to wear whatever is brightest in their wardrobe – whether a tiger onesie or jazzy socks.
Now Evelina’s fundraising manager, Rebecca Kemp, is asking schools, clubs and offices to take part with their own Get Colourful day to help the hospital reach its target.
Thirty-four organisations have already signed up to hold their own fundraisers throughout February.
Ms Kemp said: “Banish winter blues and organise a Get Colourful day for Evelina London, helping us raise funds and awareness. It’s super easy and fun to do and everyone can get involved.
“On our shopping list at the moment is a new MRI scanner. Funds raised from Get Colourful will go towards projects like this, which are above and beyond what the NHS can provide.
“We really need our whole community to get in involved!”
Evelina Children’s Hospital is one of only two specialist children’s hospitals in London and provides one in five of childhood kidney transplants in the UK.
Last year its staff cared for more than 55,000 young patients, with many coming from Southwark.
Call 020 7848 4701 or visit www.supportevelina.org.uk/get-colourful to sign up for your free fundraising pack.