White Rose Shopping Centre is encouraging visitors to donate a gift for deserving children this Christmas as the Giving Tree returned on Monday (19 November 2018).
The annual charitable drive, in association with Heart Yorkshire, asks shoppers to donate gifts of all shapes and sizes or monetary contributions to benefit local charities Kidz Klub, which provides fun and safe activities that help children discover positive aspirations for themselves and their communities; St Luke’s CARES, which is committed to harnessing the skills of local people in order to reach their potential; and national children’s charity Barnardo’s, which helps transform the lives of the most vulnerable young people in the UK.
Gifts donated will be distributed to children who deserve an extra touch of Christmas magic this festive season. From toys and games to clothing and accessories, shoppers are encouraged to donate gifts of any kind as all will find a deserving home. Physical gifts will be delivered via Kidz Klub and Barnardo’s, and monetary donations will go towards St Luke’s CARES.
Nikki Appleton, Marketing Manager of White Rose Shopping Centre, said:
“We’re so pleased to welcome the Giving Tree back to White Rose this year. We’ve seen first-hand the joy that these gifts provide, such a simple gesture can go an incredible way in lighting up the Christmas of a deserving child.
“We’re proud to be supporting such fantastic local charities, and we know our customers and the local community will be as generous as ever this festive season.”
One such charity is Leeds based Kidz Klub, which offers fun, supportive activities aimed to empower and inspire children across Leeds. Sarah Turner, charity co-leader of Kidz Klub, said:
“So many of the families that we work alongside really struggle at Christmas. Support from White Rose’s Giving Tree is invaluable and means that Kidz Klub can ensure that children living in poverty across the city can receive a Christmas gift.
“We want to see long-term, lasting transformation of children, families and communities in the most deprived areas of Leeds. With the support of individual supporters and businesses like the White Rose, our aim becomes increasingly possible.”
Barnardo’s Director for Yorkshire and the Humber, Steve Oversby, added:
“Barnardo’s works to transform the lives of vulnerable children, and every year helps thousands of families to build a better future. We do this through more than 1,000 services across the UK, including in Leeds where we work with over 1,200 young people and families – from care leavers to young carers.
“I’m always amazed at people’s generosity and I’d like to say a huge thank you to White Rose Shopping Centre for their support at Christmas, when so many young people and families struggle.”
All gifts can be dropped off at Heart Yorkshire’s Donation Station within White Rose Shopping Centre any time during the extended Christmas opening hours (9am–10pm Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm Saturdays, 11am–5pm Sundays). Gifts will be delivered to the charities a week before Christmas, ready for the big day.
