Charity Drive Exceeds Fundraising Target
1 week ago
The Mercury Shopping Centre’ annual Christmas charity drive, The Giving Tree raised enough donations to support every family in a women’s refuge in Havering as well as patients in hospital during the festive season.
Now in its third decade, the annual Giving Tree charity 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.
The Mercury Shopping Centre thanks customers 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 appeal has 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.
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.”
2025’s appeal, supported by the Recorder, saw its reach expand through a new partnership with the King George & Queen’s Hospitals Charity, ensuring support for people spending Christmas in hospital.
About Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid was founded on women’s struggle against patriarchy, sexism and male violence and grew out of the Women’s movement in the 70’s and 80’s. Today we take an intersectional approach to our work to end domestic abuse and stand with other feminist organisations leading the way in eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls.
Women’s Aid is a lifesaving federation of frontline domestic abuse services, supporting women and children at the most challenging times of their lives. The power of us together, as a network of services united to support survivors of domestic abuse, is formidable. Together we help save lives every day.
For more information, visit www.womensaid.org.uk
About King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity
King George and Queen’s Hospitals Charity raises funds to make a real difference to patients, staff and families at both King George Hospital in Ilford and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. With your help, we’re making our hospitals even better. Our vision is to support our hospitals and make them better equipped and more comfortable for everyone who needs care, both now and in the future. Funds raised have helped in many ways, from providing bravery stickers for children undergoing treatment to funding large, life-saving pieces of equipment beyond the remit of the NHS.
For more information, visit www.supportyourhospital.org