Shopping centre calls on Brighton residents to donate a Christmas gift

The Giving Tree campaign has returned and, for the third year running, all gifts will be donated to Rockinghorse, a Brighton charity providing support for ill children.

Visitors to Churchill Square are being urged by the shopping centre to visit one of three Christmas trees in the centre where they can find a tag with a gift recommendation written on it.

The unwrapped gifts can then dropped off at the customer services desk, along with the tag, until 5pm on Christmas Eve.

This year’s appeal was launched by ex-mayor, councillor Peter West, on Monday (December 2).

Mark Buchanan-Smith, centre director at Churchill Square, is ‘confident’ that the public will once again show great compassion and generosity for the cause.

“We were overwhelmed last year by the kindness of the wonderful people of Brighton, with the contribution of 345 toys, books, stationery, and more,” Mark said.

“It’s the season of good will and what better occasion for us to come together and show our gratitude to Rockinghorse for all it does to provide additional happiness to lives of poorly children in our community?

“We look forward to bringing smiles to many little faces throughout the city and surrounding areas.”

Terrina Barnes, corporate fundraising manager at Rockinghorse, said: “We are so very grateful to Churchill Square for choosing to support Rockinghorse again during this year’s Giving Tree appeal.

“Last year, the centre’s generous shoppers donated over £3,300 worth of toys and gifts for poorly children in Brighton and across Sussex.

“We look forward to donating many more presents to young people in hospital again to help make their Christmas that little bit better.”

Find out more about the Giving Tree appeal here and find out about Rockinghorse at its website.