Mercury Giving Tree Appeal Exceeds Fundraising Target

A Romford shopping centre’s Christmas fundraising campaign has exceeded its target, helping to bring festive cheer to vulnerable families and hospital patients across Havering.

The Mercury Shopping Centre has thanked shoppers and readers for their generosity during its month-long Giving Tree appeal, which aims to support families living in women’s refuges and people spending Christmas in local hospitals.

The centre confirmed that it surpassed its goal of providing a gift bundle for every family staying in a women’s refuge in Havering, as well as those receiving care in a local hospital over the festive period.

Now in its third decade, the annual Giving Tree appeal has supported people in need across Havering for more than 20 years. This year marked the first time the campaign partnered with the King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity, extending its reach to patients spending Christmas in hospital.

Donations included items for children and women from the campaign’s Dream List, alongside gift vouchers and additional festive treats. Collection points across the shopping centre, including the Management Office, Lumiere Cinema and Mecca Bingo, saw a steady flow of donations throughout the campaign.

Natalie Bays, centre manager at The Mercury, praised the community’s response. She said: “We are pleased to see such a wonderful array of gifts donated to the Giving Tree. Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed – you can be safe in the knowledge that your kindness will make a massive difference to someone’s Christmas.

“A huge thank you to all of our shoppers who donated over the last couple of weeks. Your generosity and kindness truly show just how great our community is.”

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