Galleries shopping centre and Wearside Women in Need launch annual Christmas appeal to help less fortunate in Sunderland

With Christmas drawing near, shoppers at the Galleries in Washington are being asked to support families who have been forced to leave their homes with nothing
By Sam Johnson
Published 17th Dec 2019, 11:45 BST
Updated 17th Dec 2019, 13:50 BST
David McNee (left) Centre Manager at the Galleries, with Becky Rogerson, Chief Executive of Wearside Women in Need launch this year’s Christmas charity appeal with Emilia Moffatt and Isla Robinson, from Holley Park Academy, Washington who have painted Christmas cards for shoppers to take away to help.David McNee (left) Centre Manager at the Galleries, with Becky Rogerson, Chief Executive of Wearside Women in Need launch this year’s Christmas charity appeal with Emilia Moffatt and Isla Robinson, from Holley Park Academy, Washington who have painted Christmas cards for shoppers to take away to help.
David McNee (left) Centre Manager at the Galleries, with Becky Rogerson, Chief Executive of Wearside Women in Need launch this year’s Christmas charity appeal with Emilia Moffatt and Isla Robinson, from Holley Park Academy, Washington who have painted Christmas cards for shoppers to take away to help.

A Giving Tree in the Shopping Centre is now on display asking shoppers to help families by spreading a little seasonal magic.

David McNee, Centre Manager at the Galleries, said: “Christmas Day is such an exciting time for families but for those supported by Wearside Women in Need, it is further pressure on what is already a stressful time.

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“A gift card that enables a mother to buy something special for their child brings joy to both but also helps to build the confidence of someone who may have had to leave home with nothing.”

Wearside Women in Need is a local charity, based in Washington and Sunderland which helps vulnerable children, young people and families in need by offering housing and support for families fleeing domestic violence.

Becky Rogerson, director of Wearside Women in Need, added: "With domestic abuse on the rise and greater pressures on already stretched services, this time of year is particularly hard for those who we help.

One positive is the support from the community that never ceases to amaze us, and we are delighted that the Galleries is once again creating this fantastic display along with the children from Holley Park.”

The Wearside Women in Need display can be found in Wessington Square until Christmas Eve.

Related topics:WashingtonSunderland