Bluewater is turning festive celebrations into direct support for the community this Christmas, as shoppers take part in seasonal activities raising funds for ellenor, the hospice charity supporting families across North Kent and Bexley.
Earlier this month, skaters contributed to ellenor through a special Skate & Donate evening, where visitors were invited to give a suggested £5 donation. Throughout December, the charity will also receive contributions via Bluewater’s Giving Tree, which supports around 45 charities and community groups each year.
Two further activities will continue to raise funds in the run-up to Christmas.
Snow Globe Squad – now open
ellenor’s 4-metre Giant Snow Globe will be on display throughout December. Visitors can step inside for a festive photo at various times during the season, with donations supporting ellenor’s care. The snow globe will be open only when volunteers are present.
Wrap for ellenor – 15–19 December
Shoppers can have their Christmas gifts wrapped in return for a donation to ellenor, with all materials supplied by Bluewater.
These activities form part of a wider partnership between Bluewater and ellenor, following the centre’s announcement of the charity as its 2025 Charity of the Year. The partnership runs until December 2026. Bluewater is also an Official Partner of ellenor’s major public art trail, Dartford: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, launching next summer.
Jemma Kemp, Corporate Partnerships Manager at ellenor, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Bluewater for choosing to support ellenor through their Christmas programme. Every donation made through Skate & Donate, the Giving Tree or our volunteer events helps ensure local families receive the specialist care they need at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.”
Claire Dunn, Deputy Centre Director at Bluewater, commented: “We are incredibly proud to be able to support ellenor this festive season. They are an amazing charity whose work is vital in helping families across our local community during the most difficult times. These Christmas activities are a wonderful way for our shoppers to get involved in fundraising, and we are so pleased to be able to provide ongoing support throughout their year as Bluewater’s Charity of the Year.”
ellenor provides specialist palliative and hospice care to both adults and children across North Kent and Bexley. Services include inpatient care, community-based hospice-at-home support, and a full range of wellbeing and therapeutic services encompassing physical, emotional, social and spiritual support As demand for these services continues to grow across the area, partnerships like Bluewater’s help ensure families can get the care they need, when they need it.
To find out more about ellenor’s Christmas Snow Globe Moments campaign, visit Snow Globe Moments – ellenor