‘Egg-sential’ Easter Appeal
This Easter, Little Heroes, the charity for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, is calling on communities across Northern Ireland to support its annual ‘Egg-sential’ campaign, helping children and families who find themselves in hospital unexpectedly.
Every year, around 40,000 children and young people from across the region are treated at the RBHSC. Many arrive in urgent or emergency situations, while others face long or uncertain hospital stays due to rare, complex, or life-limiting conditions.
For some families, the journey to hospital happens suddenly, leaving them with little time to prepare and few personal belongings. For others, what begins as a short visit can quickly turn into a stay that lasts days, weeks, or even longer. Either way, being in hospital for an extended period can be incredibly difficult for both children and their families.
Through the ‘Egg-sential’ campaign, Little Heroes is asking businesses, schools, and individuals to donate new, essential items that can support children and families during these challenging times.
While Easter is often associated with chocolate eggs, the appeal focuses instead on practical items that provide comfort, distraction, and dignity for young patients and their families during their time in hospital.
Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of the public, thousands of children received essential supplies during their stay. Throughout the year, the hospital’s wider paediatric team – including social workers, psychologists, and play specialists – rely on Little Heroes to provide these items to families who may be facing some of the most stressful and uncertain moments of their lives.
Whether a child arrives unexpectedly or must remain in hospital longer than planned, these simple essentials can make a meaningful difference – offering comfort, reassurance, and a reminder that families across Northern Ireland care.
How to Make a Difference
To ensure the safety of vulnerable patients, the charity requests that only new and packaged items be donated.
- Drop-off Point: The Giant Easter Basket located in the Mall at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
- Dates: Wednesday, 18 March to Tuesday, 7 April.
“The ‘Egg-sential’ campaign is about more than just gifts; it’s about providing the practical items that make a hospital stay a little easier for both children and their parents. These items are used throughout the entire year, and the support we receive from the Northern Ireland community is life-changing for our families.” Aoife Hunter, Head of Marketing and Communication, Little Heroes.
Get Involved Today
For more information, to arrange a large corporate donation drop-off, or to find our online gift list, please visit www.littleheroesni.org or contact the team at support@littleheroesni.org.