WORCESTERSHIRE Acute Hospitals Charity has announced a new festive partnership with Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), aiming to bring sparkle, joy, and Christmas magic to both the city centre and to children who need care at the hospital over the festive season.
Each year, Worcester BID transforms businesses across the city with enchanting window art created by local Worcester BID artist Catt Standan, helping to make Worcester one of the most festive destinations.
This December, Worcester BID is extending that magic even further by adding bespoke Christmas window illustrations to the children’s emergency department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, bringing creativity, and festive cheer to young patients who need urgent care at Christmas.
As part of this collaboration, Worcester BID also launched its Under the Tree Campaign on Monday (December 1).
City centre businesses are invited to skip the traditional Secret Santa in favour of donating a meaningful, much-needed gift to bring joy to a child or family at the hospital.
All donated gifts will be delivered directly to the hospital by Worcester BID’s Safe Space team.
Sam McCarthy, chief executive, of Worcester BID said: “Worcester is a city full of heart, and this partnership reflects exactly that. Each year our festive window art brings smiles to businesses and shoppers across the city and extending that magic to the children’s emergency department felt like a natural and meaningful next step.
“Through our Under the Tree Campaign, we hope to channel the generosity of local businesses into something that makes a real difference to families during what can be a difficult time.
“We’re incredibly proud to work with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to spread joy where it’s needed most.”
Abbey Tocchini, projects and communications manager, for Worcester BID said: “This collaboration captures the true spirit of Christmas: community, compassion, and coming together to lift one another up.
“Adding festive artwork to the children’s emergency department is our way of bringing warmth and imagination to young patients, and the Under the Tree gifts will help make the season brighter for families spending Christmas in hospital.
“We’ve already seen such enthusiasm from local businesses, and we can’t wait to deliver the gifts with our Safe Space team and some magical Christmas characters.”
Laura Gregory, community and events fundraising officer, at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity said:, “We are delighted that Worcester BID has chosen to partner with us on such a heartwarming initiative.
“For many families, spending time in hospital over the festive season can be difficult. The festive artwork throughout our paediatric emergency department will provide a welcome distraction for young patients and their families while they receive treatment.”
