Supporters of Harrogate Hospital Pop Up Shop expand fundraising plans

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Supporters of Harrogate Hospital are also launching a mass non uniform/dress up/dress down day as a thank you to the NHS and have contacted schools across the district to encourage them to take part, too.

The money raised will help to buy food and essential items to stock at the pop-up shop inside Harrogate Hospital which was set up in the early days of lockdown a group of local residents, partly to allows staff to enjoy a snack and a drink during a busy shift and partly as a way of thanking them for their efforts.

The items in the pop-up shop are free of charge for all NHS workers, which means the supporters of Harrogate Hospital are constantly coming up with new ways to fundraise.

Paula Shorrock, organiser of the fundraiser, said: “In the early days of lockdown a group of residents set up a pop-up shop inside Harrogate Hospital to support the staff in providing snacks, drinks and essential items while working a gruelling shift.

“The shop isn’t just about grabbing a free packet of crisps or a cereal bar, it’s so much more.

“Every time they enter, they see the support, generosity and caring nature of their community, whose donations show that they care and appreciate what they do for us.

"We’re trying to promote the mass non uniform/dress up/dress down day, to get Harrogate involved in a big thank you to the NHS

“We have also emailed schools to see if they would like to get involved in the non-uniform day.

"I think it would be amazing for our community to all come together to support our local hospital.”

All funds will go towards purchasing supplies for the pop-up shop to support all key workers in the hospital, with any remaining money donated to Harrogate Hospital Community Charity.

Since fundraising began in May this year, nearly £6,500 has been raised, with the help of dedicated cake sales, raffles and other events.

The primary focus for the funds is delivering goods to the pop-up shop, which are collected by volunteers and dropped off at a collection point.

Co-founder Fiona Ryan added: “As the second lockdown is upon us, our local NHS staff are still tired from the first wave.

“We need to support them now more than ever, so please share this project amongst your friends so we can reach a wider audience who may want to help and donate where they can.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Supporting Harrogate Hospital Pop-up Shop project should visit https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8ppC3ee5Li.

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