Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) has delivered a donation of toys from this year’s Harrogate International Nursery Fair to children at a local hospital.

With Christmas just around the corner, the donation, delivered to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Harrogate District Hospital, is part of an ongoing effort from HCC to help events make an impact on the local community.

With 140 exhibitors, around 200 brands and participants from over 15 countries taking up an additional hall this year, the Harrogate International Nursery Fair saw visitor numbers rise from last year, despite the ongoing knock-on effect of the pandemic and cost of living issues.

Sally Baxter, unit sister at Harrogate Special Care Baby Unit, said: “I would just like to say a big thank you to the Harrogate International Nursery Fair’s organisers and exhibitors as well as the Harrogate Convention Centre for the very kind donation of beautiful dolls and wooden kitchen you’ve kindly given to our Special Care Baby Unit.

“It means so much to the families who have a baby on the unit that also have young siblings. It will allow parents to be able to relax more knowing that these wonderful toys will help entertain them, which in turn enables parents to stay longer and spend more time with their sick or premature baby. The toys will really help make our parents’ experience on the unit so much better in what is a very stressful time for them. Thank you once again, it makes such a difference.”

Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said: “As a member of the community and especially in this festive season in the midst of the cost of living crisis, we are delighted to do what we can to help make sure those in need can benefit from the event industry.”

Source: Conference News