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 45 local organisations in the run up to Christmas this year, including:
- ellenor Hospice, Bluewater’s Charity of the Year for 2025, who are specialist palliative care providers for adults and children in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.
- Aspens whoprovide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East.
- The Children’s Society fight for hope by understanding the needs of young people and supporting them through their most serious life challenges.
- Darent Valley Hospital Charity fundraise to buy the latest medical equipment to offer the best available care to our community in their locality, enhance the Hospital environment for our patients, making it welcoming and comfortable and provide the little extras that can mean so much to a patient’s stay in hospital.
- YMCA Thames Gateway helps young people play an active and fulfilling role within their communities.
Donations can be made to The Giving Tree, situated on the Star Court next to Fraser Hart and LK Bennett, between 1st-19th 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.
Claire Dunn, Deputy Centre Director at Bluewater, said: “Christmas is a time for togetherness and community,where everyone should feel cared for and supported, so we are proud to announce that The Giving Tree will be returning to Bluewater once again.
“The success of The Giving Tree over the years reflects the remarkable generosity of our guests. Last year alone, over 7,000 gifts were donated, totalling over £112,000 in value, allowing us to help a wide range of charities in the region.
“We look forward to launching The Giving Tree for 2025 and encourage guests to come down and get involved. Any donations, big or small, really will make a meaningful difference for those who need it most during the festive season.”
The return of The Giving Tree follows the opening of Bluewater’s ice rink, in partnership with Bluey, and Winterland, which are now both open until 4th January. Bluewater’s ice rink will be running brand-new for 2025 K-Pop and Taylor Swift-themed sessions, as well as Skate & Donate sessions which will invite guests to donate £5 or more per ticket* to Bluewater’s charity partner, ellenor Hospice in return for a 45-minute skate.
Meanwhile, Winterland features all-new rides for 2025 including the Traditional Waveswinger, alongside returning family favourites – the waltzers and bumper cars. The magical, outdoor event also features a luminaire promenade and heart shaped lighting which lights the way to the festive fun and provides an Instagrammable backdrop for guests.
What’s more, Bluewater will have a gift-wrapping station located next to The Giving Tree between 1st -19th December. Guests will be able to have their gifts wrapped by volunteers from fifteen local charities when they make a donation.
For more information on the Christmas Appeal and how to donate or to find out more about Christmas at Bluewater, visit https://bluewater.co.uk/