The Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield, has launched two seasonal campaigns supporting local charity, John Eastwood Hospice.

Following the town’s lights switch-on celebrations, the centre unveiled its Memory Tree’, aimed at raising much- needed funds for the hospice thatdelivers care and advice to people across the region.

“This year our Memory Tree will help us raise money for John Eastwood Hospice, which is our nominated charity for the year,” said Rebekah O’Neill, Four Seasons Shopping Centre Manager.

“It’s a very popular and simple way for people to commemorate the loved ones that they have lost. In return for a donation to charity, visitors can collect a star hanging decoration from the customer service desk, and write a message to – or memory of – someone dear to them.”

Rebekah said there is no minimum donation, and every penny raised will help John Eastwood Hospice continue its work.

“We’re also teaming up with the hospice in the new year, and need our shoppers’ help to raise even more money,” said Rebekah.

“We’re inviting anyone who has received an unwanted Christmas gift to donate it to our special stall, which will be in the centre on Saturday, 14 January,” she said.

“Most of us receive the odd one or two gifts that, if we’re being honest, aren’t really our cup of tea. Rather than let them gather dust in a cupboard until we eventually decide to take them to the charity shop, we’re encouraging people to bring them to our ‘Unwanted Gifts’ stall.”

Rebekah said as well as the gifts, a selection of books donated to the hospice will also be available on the day.
“We want to make this a really successful fundraiser, so wanted to let everyone know that they could make some room at home before they flocked to the centre for the sales and bring their unwanted gifts with them,” said Rebekah.

“There will be a special collection point next to the customer service desk, which will be accepting donated items for two weeks from Boxing Day through until Thursday 12 January,” she said. “We’re hoping there’ll be a fantastic turnout so that we can make the event a huge success and help to raise even more funds for John Eastwood Hospice.

Unwanted gifts can be left at the centre’s customer service desk any time from Monday 26 December through until Thursday 12 January.

Pictured is Yvonne Shucksmith, from the hospice (left) with Rebekah O’Neill at the Memory Tree.