Soap firm donates £100,000 worth of products to key workers

A cosmetics brand based on the Isle of Arran has pledged to donate more than £100,000 worth of its products to key workers.

Arran Sense of Scotland has begun to gift the packages to more than 100 care homes, care in the community providers and hospitals throughout the country to help lift the spirits of those fighting on the frontline against coronavirus.

With the travel sector all but shut down, the firm will donate its miniature toiletries and trade supplies that would usually go to hotels and guest houses.

As well as shower gels and soaps, the packages will also include body lotions.

Thirty-eight thousand units have already been dispensed.

A donation will also be sent to Age Scotland for those running befriending services and making food deliveries to elderly residents.

Frontline: The firm hopes the products will lift spirits.

The company – which in March produced 15,000 bars of soap to give away free to Arran islanders – hopes the gifts will “deliver some much-needed rejuvenation for those working hardest during the pandemic, boosting their mental wellbeing and knowing that others are thinking of them”.

Andrew Russell, sales and marketing director at Arran Sense of Scotland, said: “To say thank you for everything they’re doing during this difficult time, we would like key workers to enjoy a small gift as our way of saying thank you until they get the chance to enjoy a well-earned break.

“We have already sent out thousands of Arran products and been overwhelmed to hear the difference it is making.

“We will do as much as we can to bring a little relaxation and rejuvenation whilst looking forward to when the hospitality industry can begin to welcome everyone once again.”

Ron Swanson, assistant fundraising manager at Ayrshire Hospice, said the gifts were a “lovely gesture and an excellent idea to put a smile on the faces of all our amazing key workers”.

Karen Landels, a charge nurse at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, also thanked the company for its donations.

She added: “This means so much. The boost this gives staff during this challenging time is immeasurable.”