TUESDAY, 7 FEBRUARY, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO ATTACHED.

LEFT TO RIGHT – DIRECTOR OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS KAREN ANDERSON, PORTER ELIZABETH CAIRNS, UNIFORM ISSUE/PORTER CECELIA HARPER, PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSISTANT PRACTITIONER SUE THOMSON, STUDENT NURSE REBECCA CLARKSON, STAFF NURSE PAT MCDADE AND PERSONAL ASSISTANT SUSAN TAYLOR

NHS Tayside staff recycle their smalls for charity

Staff from Allied Health Professions in Kings Cross and colleagues in portering, orthopaedics and the Chief Executive’s department in Ninewells, have donated three large boxes of underwear to Scottish charity Smalls for All.

Smalls for All collect and distribute underwear, both new pants and new or gently worn bras, to women and children in Africa. They help those living in orphanages, internally displaced person camps and schools, as well as providing underwear to hospitals to help those suffering from medical conditions like obstetric fistula.

Director of Allied Health Professions Karen Anderson saw the campaign advertised and, with help from friends and colleagues, placed posters around Ninewells and Kings Cross. Before they knew it the boxes were full of donations.

Karen said, “Smalls for All caught my eye as it is a Scottish charity that is changing the lives of women in Africa – one bra at a time. It was simple really, all you had to do was donate a packet of new pants for children aged 3-15 or ladies size 8-16 and new or ‘gently worn’ bras of any size.

“Underwear is almost impossible to come by for these women and children and this can cause hygiene, health and social problems. I realised people may have bras at home that they no longer need and could donate them to those who need them most.

“Our staff were keen to be involved with this valuable initiative, which is giving women and children in Africa access to new underwear and making a real difference to their lives.

“We didn’t expect such a fabulous response in such a short time so thank you to everyone who has donated. Given the interest shown already we are continuing to support the charity so all are welcome to bring smalls to the collection points on level 10, the changing rooms and ward 16 in Ninewells and the AHP Directorate office in Kings Cross.”

As of 20 January 2017, Smalls for All had collected 372,838 items of underwear and distributed 

271,757. For more information or to find out how to donate please visit smallsforall.org

Contact:

Sarah Morris,

NHS Tayside Communications,

(01382) 424138