The Matalan X Alder Hey Children’s Charity campaign has become a well-known partnership eagerly anticipated by families each year. 2023 marks a special year, as the partnership celebrates its 10-year anniversary, and to commemorate the occasion, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Charity and Matalan hosted a pyjama party at the hospital on Tuesday 28th November.
The partnership, which started back in 2014 when Matalan pledged a five-year fundraising campaign to raise funds for Alder Hey’s new Research & Innovation Centre – Institute in the Park was achieved in four years.
Matalan continued to raise vital funds for the incredible charity supporting additional fundraising appeals such as; ‘7 in 10 Children’s Mental Health’ appeal and the ‘Alder Hey Surgical Neonatal’ appeal.
Nine years on, the #TogetherForAlderHey campaign has continued to grow, and launched its latest pyjama installment in September earlier this year with 100% of profits going to the charity. In total, Matalan has raised just over £4.4million so far, with fundraising activities ongoing.
The pyjama party will take place in the atrium at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where volunteers from Alder Hey’s Charity and Matalan colleagues will run a craft workshop for patients attending appointments to design their own pyjamas, anyone who takes part will be gifted a pair of pyjamas from previous campaigns and some pic ‘n’ mix. Other activities will include; a special performance from Barrington the Magician as well as
Alder Hey’s mascot, Oli the Elephant. Additionally, patients who cannot leave their wards, will have inward parties, where they will be provided with activity sheets, gifted pyjamas and a celebratory cupcake!
“Firstly, I’d like to thank Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for the outstanding work they do, day in, day out, as well as finding the time to host this pyjama party celebration today – what an amazing way to celebrate this incredible partnership! I am so proud of what Matalan has achieved over the past 10 years, and being here today, seeing firsthand where that money has been spent is truly inspirational. Lastly, and by no means least, I’d like to thank all our wonderful colleagues and customers for their help and support over the past 10 years, because without you, this wouldn’t be possible, so from me, thank you.”
Jo Whitfield, CEO of Matalan
Fiona Ashcroft, CEO of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Charity said; “Through their annual campaigns, Matalan and their customers have made a huge difference in the lives of children and young people who have been cared for at Alder Hey. As a result, Matalan has funded a huge range of activities and projects designed to enhance and improve the lives of our inspiring young patients.
“A huge thanks to Matalan customers who have purchased the PJs over the last ten years in support of Alder Hey. Thanks are due also to Matalan staff, who have supported us through their own amazing fundraising! Together we have raised over £4.4m for Alder Hey and now we can’t wait to see what next year will bring!”