arc Shopping Centre in Bury St Edmunds has revealed that it has raised more than £5,000 through its fundraising efforts in support of local charity, Gatehouse, throughout 2023 and the beginning of 2024.
Raising a total of £5,033.50 from event donations which took place at the centre throughout the year, arc also supported the food bank with donations of non-perishable items and volunteering.
Allan Hassell, Centre Manager at arc, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the funds raised for Gatehouse throughout the year. We wanted to highlight a marvellous, truly local charity that is doing critical work for our community. With Gatehouse being within Bury St Edmunds on Dettingen Way, we know that the funds raised are going directly into helping the community in which we operate.
“I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to everyone who helped us to support Gatehouse this year, whether that was with a donation of any amount at one of our centre events, through to donations from our tenants and our stall holders who donated to Gatehouse in lieu of their pitch fees.,” he concluded.
The partnership has not only raised valuable funds for the charity but has also shone a light on the important work that Gatehouse does.
Amanda Bloomfield, Chief Executive Officer for Gatehouse, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount raised by arc this year; it was totally unexpected. The team have been fantastic to work with and there’s been lots of fun activities throughout. The rewards have not only been financial as it has also helped to raise awareness of Gatehouse throughout the town, with many shops and businesses coming forward to join in.
“The money raised will be used to help fund our social supermarket and welcome café, both of which have seen huge demand over the last 12 months. The café has become a real social hub and place where people can chat together, reduce loneliness and find ways to manage tight budgets and rising costs.
“Once again a huge thank you to the arc team and the community as a whole that has made it such a great fundraising experience.”
Earlier in 2024, arc announced Bury St Edmunds Rickshaw as their Charity of the Year, keen to support the charity’s work to fight social isolation as well as support moving food bank items around town.
The centre kicked off its support of the local community charity with its ‘Putting a Spring in Your Step’ event on Tuesday 9th April where families were invited to plant their own butterfly garden in exchange for a donation to Bury St Edmunds Rickshaw. There was a rickshaw volunteer in attendance, offering joyrides to shoppers to demonstrate what they do in our community.
For more information on arc Shopping Centre, please visit www.arc-burystedmunds.com or follow arc on social media.