As part of a promise to do a good deed every day, kind-hearted cub scouts have helped QEHB to ‘be prepared’ to help local people in need this winter.

Jack Delahaye and Kathryn Skidmore from St. Laurence’s Cub Scouts Group were just two of the 60 scouts to each generously donate items of food that will form food parcels for patients who may need additional support at home on discharge from hospital.

Food collected at QEHB is also given to Sparkhill Foodbank which can provide a three-day supply of food to those who have fallen on hard times, such as may be experienced with redundancy, domestic abuse or delays to benefit payments.

National Cub Scouts have been working through completing 100 challenges across 2016 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the founding of the internationally famous organisation that helps to equip young people with vital life skills and enjoyable pursuits such as first aid, kayaking, and even how to fly a plane.

Kathryn Skidmore’s (pictured) mother Zoe, a sister within Critical Care at QEHB, said: “While being a Scout is a great way for our children to make friends, get outdoors and have fun, it is a great way to instill values of selflessness, kindness and a sense of community in our children.”

The food collection formed part of the Scout’s harvest festival collection, which also saw them raise a giant £160 for charities Water Aid, and Calum’s Cabin.

It is hoped that the generosity of the children will encourage QEHB staff who already selflessly provide the best in care every day to show a little of the same generosity to help collect and donate food and clothing items to the Trust’s foodbank throughout the winter months.

Items that the foodbank needs of to help support those in need are:

Food donations:

• Milk (UHT or powdered)
• Sugar
• Fruit juices (carton)
• Pasta and other cooking sauces
• Tinned soups, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish or puddings
• Cereals, biscuits or snack bars
• Tea bags/instant coffee
• Instant mash potato
• Rice/pasta

Clothing donations:

• Warm trousers
• Warm jumpers or long sleeve tops
• T-shirts
• Winter coats or jackets
• Basic (new) underwear for men and women
• Footwear

Food bank collection points can be found on the Outpatient Corridor (near outpatient pharmacy, Level 0), in the Atrium (near the main visitor lifts, Level 0) and at the B1 Staff Entrance. Larger donations can be taken to the Faith and Community Centre Reception, Level 1, QEHB.