In 2024, the Archies Foundation achieved a remarkable milestone of raising £2,039,936 to support babies, children as well as their families across Scotland. The funds which were gathered through various fundraising events, multiple donations, and grants have enabled the charity to directly assist over 3,341 children, a 15% increase from 2023.
Throughout the year, the foundation has provided a total of 4,130 nights of accommodation to over 1,205 parents which has gone a long way in ensuring that these parents can stay close to their children during a stay at the hospital.
In addition, over 50,000 children have indirectly benefited from these Archies Foundation services during their visits to facilities like the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, The Tayside Children’s Hospital at Ninewells, as well as the Raigmore Hospital’s Highland Children’s Unit.
Paula Cormack, the charity’s chief executive speaking on the matter, expressed her gratitude to their kind-hearted supporters as Archie prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025
“On behalf of all the babies, children, and families who have benefitted from this program this year, I’d like to thank everyone who supported us, whether by donating toys, contributing financially, or spreading the word about our services,” she said
Milestones and new initiatives
The year 2024 also marked the 15th anniversary of Archie’s Child Bereavement Services (ACBS). To celebrate this event, the charity distributed over 1,152 specialist bereavement books to 488 children who were referred to the services, enabling them to expand their reach to Tayside and the Highlands while ensuring more families could access critical support after losing a loved one.
Beyond the bereavement services, the foundation has led 16 hospital enhancement projects, launched a new website for the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, and partnered with Glenlaw House in Dundee to provide respite care for children with complex medical needs. The charity also collaborated with the University of Dundee Medical School to establish the Archie Foundation Child Health Research Laboratory which is located at Ninewell.
Tangible impact
In 2024, Archie approved about 433 funding applications, totaling over £600,000. These funds were used for the purchase of specialist medical equipment, essential resources for recovery and rehabilitation, and to cover the travel cost for families visiting the children in the hospital.
The Foundation’s Fundraising efforts were equally diverse, with supporters participating in ultra-marathons, skydiving, 24-hour challenges, and Highland Shows.
The Archie Foundation’s achievement this year demonstrates its commitment and dedication to improving the lives of children and families across Scotland. With its 25th anniversary on the horizon, the charity is set to continue expanding its reach and making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.