Ailsa's Aim: Spreading Comfort and Hope to Cancer Patients and Neonatal Care Parents
Posted on 24th September 2023 at 23:11
About us.
In 2019, during my own chemotherapy journey, I discovered a lack of comforting items available for patients in similar situations. Determined to make a difference, I founded Ailsa's Aim, a charity that aims to provide support and comfort to cancer patients and parents with babies in neonatal care.
What started as a humble initiative in my own kitchen has now grown into a thriving organisation with five rooms, sixteen dedicated volunteers, and over 20,000 bags produced. In this blog post, I will share the inspiring story of Ailsa's Aim and how networking has played a pivotal role in our growth and impact.
The Birth of Ailsa's Aim:
During my chemotherapy treatment, I realised the importance of having comforting items to ease the physical and emotional burden of cancer. This realisation led me to start creating bags filled with essential items such as blankets, socks, toiletries, and small gifts. These bags were then delivered free of charge to cancer patients and parents with babies in neonatal care, providing them with a sense of comfort and hope during their challenging journeys.
Addressing the Lack of Comforting Items:
Recognising the need to expand our reach and impact, we founded the website www.ailsasaim.co.uk. Through this platform, we aimed to raise awareness about our cause and provide a means for individuals and organizations to support our mission. By sharing our own journey and experiences, we hoped to inspire others to join us in making a difference.
The Power of Networking:
One significant turning point for Ailsa's Aim was joining Busy Women's Networking (BWN) in 2020. This decision marked a shift in how we operated as a charity. Prior to networking, we were limited in our contacts and struggled to raise awareness and funds for our cause. However, through BWN, we not only gained access to a supportive community of like-minded individuals but also expanded our network of potential donors and sponsors.
The Power of Networking:
One significant turning point for Ailsa's Aim was joining Busy Women's Networking (BWN) in 2020. This decision marked a shift in how we operated as a charity. Prior to networking, we were limited in our contacts and struggled to raise awareness and funds for our cause. However, through BWN, we not only gained access to a supportive community of like-minded individuals but also expanded our network of potential donors and sponsors.
Raising Awareness and Creating Valuable Connections:
Networking has proven to be a game-changer for Ailsa's Aim. By attending BWN meetings and events, we have been able to share our story with a wider audience, raising awareness about the challenges faced by cancer patients and neonatal care parents. This increased visibility has not only attracted more support but has also allowed us to forge valuable connections with individuals and organisations who share our passion for making a difference.
The Power of Women:
One aspect that has been particularly impactful for Ailsa's Aim is the involvement of women in our cause. Through BWN, we have connected with a team of incredible women who have become our allies in the fight against cancer and the support of neonatal care parents. Their dedication, expertise, and access to resources have been instrumental in our growth and ability to make a lasting impact.
Expanding Our Reach:
Currently, Ailsa's Aim is a member of the BWN online group and the Kettering group. These affiliations have provided us with a platform to connect with even more individuals and organisations who are passionate about our cause. Additionally, the positive impact of networking has been so profound that I have personally joined our business to these networking groups as well, further strengthening our connections and potential for growth.
Ailsa's Aim has come a long way since its inception in 2019. From a small initiative in my own kitchen, we have grown into a thriving charity with a dedicated team of volunteers, five rooms, and over 20,000 bags produced. Through networking, particularly our involvement with Busy Women's Networking, we have been able to raise awareness, create valuable connections, and expand our reach. As we continue on our mission to provide comfort and hope to cancer patients and neonatal care parents, we are grateful for the power of networking and the incredible support we have received along the way. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing challenging circumstances.
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