White Rose visitors donate gifts to deserving children this Christmas

White Rose Shopping Centre and Heart Yorkshire are encouraging shoppers to buy a gift for deserving children this Christmas.

The Giving Tree is back at White Rose until Sunday 17 December, where shoppers can donate gifts of all shapes and sizes to this year’s charity Candlelighters, which supports Yorkshire families facing children’s cancer. Gifts donated will be given to children who deserve an extra touch of Christmas magic this festive season.

From toys and games to hats and accessories, shoppers are encouraged to donate whatever gifts they can, as all gifts will find a deserving home.

Steven Foster, General Manager of White Rose Shopping Centre, said:

“The Giving Tree is such a special annual event, and we can’t wait to host it again. We’re always amazed with how generous our South Leeds community are, and to help so many deserving children is a fantastic way to spread Christmas cheer.

“While you’re busy shopping in one of our many stores in the centre over the Christmas season, why not pick up an extra gift for a special boy or girl?  The joy that gift will provide is priceless.”

Candlelighters has been chosen as this year’s charity due to its tireless work to support Yorkshire families facing children’s cancer, and is also the chosen charity of Leeds Lord Mayor, Councillor Jane Dowson.

By raising awareness through outreach projects, money for ground-breaking research, and offering crucial family support, the Leeds based charity helps ordinary families facing extraordinary circumstances.

Marie Peacock, Head of Income Development at Candlelighters, said:

“The Giving Tree is a great way for people from across our Yorkshire community to show their support for families facing childhood cancer. This is such a special opportunity and we are delighted to have been chosen as this year’s charity, enabling us to continue to stand with families when they need our support the most.”

All gifts will 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 Candlelighters a week before Christmas, ready for the big day.