Di Mellis, centre manager at Lakeside Village Outlet Shopping, takes a look at the centre’s charitable giving campaigns.
Lakeside Village has always had charity at its heart. Supporting the community we live and work in plays an important part in what we do and we are proud to have supported many different causes in and around Doncaster, throughout the 26 years we’ve been open.
Five years ago, we decided to formalise our charitable giving even further, launching our Charity of the Year appeal which sees us work with a special cause or initiative for 12 months.
To date, this appeal has seen us partner with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Team Verrico, Guide Dogs, Donmentia and, for this year, Doncaster Mind – raising more than £30,000 to date, for the charities combined.
We believe wholeheartedly in giving back to organisations such as these. It’s been a real honour to work with each of these charities and to get to know their teams – all of whom do exceptional work, going above and beyond the norm to raise much needed funds and awareness for their causes.
However, the most heart-warming joy has been to see how our customers have got behind our charity campaigns.
From donations at our in-store till points, to sponsoring fundraising efforts and contributing to JustGiving appeals, we’ve been blown away by the generosity and support our customers have given to each of the charities we’ve worked with over the years.
And it’s something we’re lucky enough to see every day, here at the centre.
Alongside our annual charity campaign, we’re also home to many other community and charitable initiatives day-to-day.
We regularly welcome the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team onsite to carry out fundraising activities, as well as Cats Protection, the Cadets, and – every last Saturday of the month – the RSPCA, for their monthly collection of unwanted shoes, clothes and toys.
We’re also home to a collection point for used bras, in aid of Against Breast Cancer.
And, the Victoria Cross Trust has its own store here on site with Victoria Cross medals and artifacts on display, as well as a range of handmade items for sale in aid of the charity.
For our team, charity really is at our core.
Supporting worthy causes is what makes Lakeside Village such a special part of the Doncaster community, and is one of the many reasons I am so proud of our loyal and generous customers who continue to support our work in this area.
