The Mall Blackburn is looking for a new charity to support as its year-long partnership with East Lancashire Hospice comes to an end.
Applications are now open for local charities to apply to become The Mall’s Charity of the Year as part of its Mall Cares programme and the closing date is Thursday 13th February 2019.
East Lancashire Hospice became the latest beneficiary in March 2019 following a presentation by Gareth Mayoh, whose wife was cared for by staff at the hospice before she passed away in July 2018 aged just 39.
Gareth told judges how invaluable the support was from everyone at the hospice and went on to explain that his sons have raised tens of thousands of pounds by wearing shorts throughout winter.
In the last 12 months activities including bucket collections, Mall Monster appearances and a 22-mile sponsored walk have all contributed to over £5000 being raised.
Loraine Jones, General Manager at The Mall Blackburn, said: “We have enjoyed working with the hospice team this year and the total amount raised is fantastic.
“It costs a staggering £3.7million per year to run the hospice, with only around £1.2million coming from grants.
“As our time with East Lancashire Hospice comes to an end, we are looking for a new charity to support for the next 12 months.
“There are so many deserving causes across Lancashire and it is always such a difficult decision to select just one.
“We want new and exciting ideas for fundraising activities and we are open to any suggestions!”
Catherine Leech, Community Fundraiser at East Lancashire Hospice, said: “We were thrilled to be selected as The Mall’s Charity of the year and are very thankful to Gareth for his help in our pitch.
“The amount raised is amazing and will help us to continue to offer a wide range of services including creative and supportive therapies, community services to bereavement support to families in the area.
“The team at The Mall are so passionate and helpful, and I would urge any charities that need a funding boost to apply to become the next beneficiary!”
Cash 4 Kids, Lancashire Mind, #Fightlikeakid, Nightsafe, Blackburn Youth Zone and Inbetweenears have all previously been supported through the ‘Charity of the Year’ initiative.
Charities that would like to be considered should complete the online application that can be found on The Mall’s website https://www.themall.co.uk/blackburn/whats-on/2020/charity-starts-at-the-mall-blackburn/ to outline how they would make the most of the partnership and what ideas they have to raise funds and awareness within the shopping centre.
The closing date is midnight on Thursday 13th February 2019 and the partnership will start in March 2019.
Pictures show: Laura Diffey and Irene Wilkins from The Mall Blackburn, Sharon Crymble from East Lancashire Hospice and Jason Cothliff from The Mall Blackburn
