The Eastgate Centre in Inverness has hailed the generosity of shoppers over the festive period after announcing an impressive tally exceeding £51,000 has been raised to aid local causes.
The impressive total was made up after numerous fundraisers and events were held within the shopping centre’s grounds by numerous local charities.
Jackie Cuddy, Eastgate Centre manager, said: “Christmas really is an amazing time of year all around the Centre, but to see how thoughtful and caring our local community is at this time leaves me speechless. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every Eastgate shopper that has donated to local causes this year.
“To see children spending their own pocket money on presents for other children less fortunate than themselves is very touching as is the generosity of adults who donated thousands of presents including clothes, the latest toys and games and even a PlayStation was handed in this year!”
Over 20 choirs from local schools took pride of place on the Jingle Bells Stage in its inaugural year, with Tain Royal Academy’s traditional music group Gizzen Briggs and Gairloch High School returning to the shopping centre to play for Children 1st, raising a whopping £686 in just over 4 hours.
Mrs Cuddy added: “With the support of our shoppers and retailers, as well as local businesses’ we are able to help our community all year-round through various initiatives and supporting fundraising events, but we really couldn’t do it without our loyal shoppers.”
Charities such as Munlochy Animal Aid, RNLI, Salvation Army, United Charities, Poppy Scotland, Guide Dogs and Highland Hospice were thanked for hosting events by the centre.
