Churchill Square customers have once again proven that Christmas is the season of giving, after more than 340 gifts were donated to Rockinghorse thanks to the shopping centre’s annual Giving Tree campaign.
Gifts of all shapes and sizes were contributed by kind-hearted shoppers, with the presents worth more than a staggering £3,300. All of the donations went to help make sure that children who couldn’t experience Christmas at home, had the joy of opening a present on the big day whilst in hospital.
One mother who generously donated 12 gifts, felt compelled to support the campaign after her daughter had received a present in 2017 whilst in the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital on Christmas Day. Local children’s author Liz Pichon also got involved, providing eight books – all signed with a personal message – and one audio book.
Churchill Square Centre Director, Mark Buchanan-Smith, praised the generosity of shoppers, he said: “We had another fantastic year for our Giving Tree campaign. It was fantastic that so many people took the time to take a tag from one of our trees and purchase a present for a child who really deserves it.
“I’m never failed to be amazed by how kind-hearted people are, and I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who donated. We know that the gifts made such a difference to children who received them on Christmas Day.”
Terrina Barnes, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Rockinghorse, said: “We are so very grateful to Churchill Square and their customers for the incredible generosity shown in the run-up to Christmas. Their donations enabled us to deliver presents to poorly patients at our partner hospitals, including the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.
“Sadly, not every child is able to spend Christmas at home, so this appeal meant that youngsters in hospital were still able to enjoy a gift on Christmas Day.”
Our thanks to everyone who very kindly donated a gift.
