Lowry Outlet has given over one of its prime retail units to Francis House Children’s Hospice for the festive period, where shoppers have been enjoying a magnificent Festival of Trees, which has raised more than £25,000 in vital funds for the charity.
The outlet and hospice invited organisations from fashion brands, football teams and even the cast of Coronation Street to decorate a tree in their own theme and colours. These have been auctioned off, with the winning bid not only receiving the tree itself but also a line-up of other prizes including iPads, match tickets and luxury gift hampers, which have been generously donated by the organisations involved.
Centre Manager Helen Anderton comments, “Each tree had its own whacky design scheme, from Manchester United Football Club’s red and white theme with baubles signed by the players, to Swizzels-Matlow’s ‘sweetie’ tree, Disney’s princess themed tree, and L’Oreal’s tree which came with over £1,500 worth of beauty products. The support from both local and global organisations has been tremendous – we have even had a visit from Corrie’s Kym Marsh and Hayley Tamaddon! Francis House is a truly inspiring charity working to help children and young people with life threatening illnesses. We are delighted to be helping them raise vital funds to spread cheer both over the Christmas season and all year round”.
David Ireland, Chief Executive of Francis House Children’s Hospice, added “The money raised is going to make a big difference to the lives of hundreds of young people across Greater Manchester and their families. We were astounded by how many people came to see us, to bid on the trees and enter into the festive spirit! Our work really couldn’t continue without fundraising initiatives such as this and we’d like to thank Lowry Outlet for their generous support”.
