Cribbs Causeway raises funds and smiles
A South Gloucestershire shopping and leisure centre brought festive joy to families supported by Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and raised vital funds for the local children’s hospice, Charlton Farm.
The Mall at Cribbs Causeway is a firm favourite with out-of-town shoppers and over the Christmas period it comes into its own with lots of seasonal activities for families to enjoy.
Last Christmas the centre teamed up with CHSW to offer families free visits to its Grotto and ice-skating sessions.
CHSW cares for children who are unexpected to reach adulthood. The charity looks after the whole family by offering short stays at its local hospice, Charlton Farm, in North Somerset, as well as in families’ own homes.
Many of the children cared for by CHSW have complex needs and taking part in family activities can be difficult.
One parent who took her child ice-skating said: “My daughter can’t even stand or walk very well on normal ground so I thought the whole thing would be a disaster. However, there were enough of us to hold her up and she absolutely loved every minute of it, and I was so proud of her getting stuck in. We’d like to thank Cribbs Causeway for the tickets which meant we tried something with her we would never have dreamed of trying.”
The Paddington Grotto was enjoyed by another family who said: “It was amazing! It was the first day Arthur was allowed out from hospital where he’d been for 5 weeks so it was amazing to have this wonderful experience, which we will always remember. Evie said it was the best Santa visit we have ever done, and I have to agree. It was a totally immersive and magical experience, being invited into Paddington’s home and meeting him and Santa. The children loved it and, truth be told, so did we! Many thanks for the wonderful experience.”
It was a totally immersive and magical experience, being invited into Paddington’s home and meeting him and Santa. The children loved it and, truth be told, so did we!
Cribbs Causeway also donated £2,050.94 to Charlton Farm – money raised by shoppers throwing coins into the fountain.
Amanda Gallagher, CHSW Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser, said: “It means so much to our families to make memories with their children and the team at Cribbs Causeway and CBRE allowed these special memories to be made. We’d also like to thank them for donating vital funds and allowing the Corisande Singers perform and raise £253.86 for us during the busy Christmas shopping period.”