Tis’ the season of giving and it doesn’t get much heartwarming than what Amazon staff in Portadown did on Friday.
The kind-hearted workers at the Co Armagh depot wanted to do something extra special with their community fund and thanks to former councillor Thomas Larkham – he knew exactly what to do.
Speaking to Armagh I, Julie Flaherty said Thomas – a former colleague in the Council chamber – was instrumental in helping use the fund to buy 25 extra special Christmassy Jake’s Ladybird Bags/Boxes to the Children’s Heartbeat Trust – delivered directly to the Blossom Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital.
‘Jake’s Ladybird Bags,’ named in honour of little Jake – Julie’s son – are specialised kits for families travelling to hospitals outside of Northern Ireland for treatment. The bags include a range of useful supplies including toothpaste, coffee, socks and toiletries…you might even find a much needed chocolate fix in there too! There were a number of extra gifts included in these packs too.
Julie said Thomas the staff were really taken by the idea of supporting the children this Christmas.
She said it would not have happened if it wasn’t for Thomas “and the knowledge he has of me and Jake, and the time he spent with us in the chamber. It was such a lovely wee partnership with Amazon for the Blossom Unit.”
Julie and the Amazon team went along to the Unit on Friday – parcels all packed in Amazon packaging for authenticity – where they pulled up to the door where Claire and Lynn were eagerly awaiting the special delivery.
Boxes will make their way to Belfast and Dublin for those families in hospital over the holidays.
Said Julie: “I was able to again thank some of Jake’s nurses and doctors who were on the ward on Friday and will be working over Christmas. It is a blessing to me that I have met so many good people through Jake and wish them a safe, well and happy Christmas.”
@flahertycom1 there is always a reason you meet people, either you need them to change your life or you’re the one that will chamge theirs- One bag at a time – special Christmas ladybird boxes to spread some cheer at Christmas to children & families in hospital this Christmas! Happy Christmas from #Amazon @Amazon #Blossom #CraigavonAreaHospital #JakesLadybirdBags
