Charity tree festival and donation hub launches in Princesshay
A donation hub has been set up for the first time in Princesshay as part of its Christmas 2020 charitable initiatives. The Giving Hub will occupy a unit on Roman Walk and will be collecting specific donations to support people who are homeless or vulnerably housed this Christmas.
Princesshay is working with the Exeter Homelessness Partnership to deliver the scheme.
The hub will open Thursday 3rd December and will operate until the 16th January on Roman Walk on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday, collecting items such as winter coats, sleeping bags, boots and some other specific items. There will also be a ‘alternative giving’ contactless donation point where visitors can tap to donate £3 to Exeter Homelessness Partnership. Opportunities will also be available for members of the community and businesses to get involved with the wider Exeter Homeless Partnership project.
Princesshay will also play host to its annual Charity Christmas Tree Festival where 30 real Christmas trees will be decorated by local charities and on display on Roman Walk to help raise awareness during the festive period.
Jo Armstrong from the Exeter Homelessness Partnership said: “Every year Christmas is an especially difficult time for those facing homelessness but this year we know that for many, things will be tougher than ever. A simple act of donating a warm, quality winter coat or sleeping bag can make a tremendous difference to someone. We have list of what is needed and this will be updated regularly, so please do check the list before donating, thank you.”
Michelle Menezes, Princesshay Centre Manager, said: “We are so pleased to be able to support this initiative. Our theme this year is Give Thanks in recognition of the incredible acts of kindness we have seen throughout 2020. The pressures of the pandemic mean that many vulnerable people are under more strain than ever and we want to help raise awareness of this as part of our Christmas campaign. We know our visitors and centre colleagues will do us proud with their donations.”
It’s really important that the donations to the Giving Hub match what is needed so visitors are encouraged to visit the website for more information at www.princesshay.co.uk/givinghub if they’d like to help by donating.
Princesshay Christmas Late Night Shopping starts on Thursday 3rd December* until 8pm and then Thursday 10th and Thursday 17th December. *subject to lockdown restrictions lifting and the reopening of non-essential retail.
