Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) has issued a personal thank you to popular fashion retailer, Primark after the company’s bag levy donations reached the £1 million mark.

The company chose to give all bag levy sale proceeds to CHAS after the Scottish Government introduced a law for large retailers to impose a 5p minimum charge on all single use bags.

Since the launch of the partnership in 2015, Primark has donated a total of £1.4 million to CHAS and handed over £241,000 this year alone.

CHAS Corporate Partnerships Manager, Angharad Low said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to Primark for donating such an incredible amount of money to CHAS through their bag levy sales.

“The company’s dedicated support has had truly transformational impact on the children and families we support right across Scotland, particularly this year when families have needed support more than ever.

Pauline McNamara, Store Manager of Primark Argyle Street said: “We are so proud of our local charity partnerships, and it’s a privilege to support CHAS through our ongoing fundraising efforts. In the lead up to Christmas in particular, we are delighted to raise much needed funds to help support families in need. We admire the staff at CHAS, who are working harder than ever to help sick children and their families during this time.”

Like many other charities in the current pandemic, CHAS has had to dramatically transform the way in which it operates.

While both Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch are continuing to provide end of life care, the charity now also runs a virtual children’s hospice to support families who are having to completely self-isolate.

Through this service, families are offered extensive support by phone and video on important issues such as clinical guidance, financial advice and bereavement. CHAS family support teams also offer a range of interactive activities, art clubs, storytelling and friendship calls to children and parents.