Bluewater has announced the return of its popular Giving Tree in support of a variety of children’s and family charities across Kent and the South East.
The charity drive will help over 40 local organisations in the run up to Christmas this year, including:
- Crossroads Care who help unpaid carers to make a life of their own outside caring by providing quality services offering peace of mind while they enjoy some time to themselves.
- Ellenor Hospice who are specialist palliative care providers for adults and children in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.
- Imago Community, a charity which promotes, develops and facilitates social action, supporting independence and empowering communities.
- MCK Greenhithe who work with individuals and groups to build capacity and create lasting change, from supporting small business owners to providing vocational training for youth.
- We Are Beams who provide comprehensive support services to children and young people with any form of physical, learning or sensory impairment.
Donations can be made to The Giving Tree, situated on Upper Thames Walk near M&S and Superdry, until 20th December. Guests can choose a tag from the tree, detailing the child they’ll buy for, and head off to choose the perfect gift at one of Bluewater’s hundreds of stores.
The appeal is also accepting contactless, tap-and-go donations, alongside physical gifts, ensuring guests can still quickly and easily contribute to good causes.
James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “The festive season is a time of togetherness and community, where everyone deserves to feel loved and cared for, which is why we’re supporting those in need as we announce the return of The Giving Tree at Bluewater.
“We’re incredibly proud of the success of The Giving Tree over the years, particularly last year, where Bluewater’s guests’ generosity raised more than £110,000-worth of donations. We’re sure its success will continue this year, and all donations made will make a real difference to the array of charities who we are supporting this Christmas.”
The return of The Giving Tree follows the recent unveiling of Bluewater’s new Christmas decorations. Drawing inspiration from the reindeers that have welcomed visitors to Bluewater for more than a decade, the new decorations feature Santa’s newest reindeer companions, Trinity, Astrid, and Miranda who soar around Bluewater. The trio are accompanied by 14,000 shimmering metallic stars, squares, and triangles, and more than 2,750 metres of shimmering lights.
What’s more, this Christmas brings the return of Bluewater’s Winterland and undercover ice rink, which are both open daily until 12th January and 5th January respectively. Winterland features all-new rides for 2024 including City Cars Bumper Cars, Mickey’s Disney Train, Booster, and Race o Rama, alongside returning family favourites – the waltzers and a double deck carousel. The magical, outdoor event also features its own post box for children to post their letters to Santa.
Additionally, Beaches Resorts has teamed up with Bluewater to offer guests the chance to win a seven-night all-inclusive family holiday to the Caribbean, to celebrate The Elf on the Shelf ® Christmas Adventure making its global debut at the shopping centre. To sign up, guests must enter their details before midnight on 24th December 2024 here. *Full Ts & Cs apply.
For more information on the Christmas Appeal and how to donate or to find out more about Christmas at Bluewater, visit the website here.