Despite the credit crunch, shoppers to The Harlequin, Watford proved that they were still full of goodwill and charity in 2009 by donating over £4,000. The total amount was collected over the festive period and throughout 2009 from generous shoppers and will be delivered to The Peace Hospice in Watford.
During the festive period alone a staggering £3,141 was raised by shoppers who kindly made donations when they visited the Grotto and £1068 was donated during visits to the Nativity scene area. £2,700 was also raised across the 12 local charities who dedicated time and effort to the Christmas Gift Wrapping at Harlequin this year.
The Centre Management were delighted that the £4,209 total will go towards such a good cause as The Peace Hospice, which provides care for patients with a life limiting or terminal illness and support for their families. Over 75% of the Hospice's funding comes from charitable donations and all the treatment given is completely free.
Chrissy Dawson, Marketing Manager at The Harlequin commented, “We are so proud to have raised so much money during such a difficult year. Hopefully, the start of a New Year has been made a little bit easier for the patients, families, and carers at The Peace Hospice. We would like to say a massive thank you to shoppers for their generosity, particularly during these difficult economic times.”
The Hospice’s Corporate Development Manager, Maggie Grand said ‘We are delighted that once again, The Harlequin have decided to support us in this way. It’s a fantastic sum of money and will make a huge difference to our patients’.
The Harlequin is a premier shopping centre, open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Thursdays 9am – 9pm, Saturdays 9am – 7pm and 11am – 5pm on Sundays. There are over 140 stores, including many of your favourite high-street names, plus special one-off stores. At The Harlequin, you will find facilities for those of differing abilities, children and parents - including toilets, baby change area, allocated parking spaces and a Shopmobility Scheme. For more information please call 01923 250 292 or visit www.theharlequin.uk.com.
