As we get ready to leave out milk, cookies and carrots for Santa and the reindeer, North Lanarkshire’s School Nursing Team (NLSNT) is extending its warmest thanks to very generous staff across Children’s Service, Airdrie Community Health Centre (ACHC) and a number of other teams.
Beginning in 2019, the NLSNT has turned the team’s festive Secret Santa into a mission to buy gifts for as many young people who use the service as possible. This year, a number of University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire staff have generously donated individual gifts for a remarkable 210 children and young people.
Henri Burns, NLSNT team leader, said: “Since 2020, when other services became involved in our efforts, colleagues’ kindness has been nothing short of extraordinary, with a total of 645 Secret Santa gifts donated to our children and young people.
“Everyone at Airdrie Community Health Centre wanted to get involved and it has grown from there with more and more colleagues bringing gifts every Christmas. To everyone who has been involved or donated: we want you to know that your generosity has played a role in helping children, young people, and their families facing challenges to celebrate Christmas.
“Our team has been busy delivering these special gifts (on behalf of Santa, of course!) across all six North localities. Each gift is gratefully received, bringing smiles to many of the young people we see throughout the year.”
Claire Rae, University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire Chief Officer, added: “Our school nursing team deserves a lot of credit for making such a positive impact on the lives of the young people they see.
“Each member of the team works incredibly hard all year long and this is a great example of going that extra mile.
“Thank you very much to the team and everyone who has donated a gift.”
