Shoppers in Sunderland donated more than £60,000 worth of cash and kind donations through campaigns run by the Bridges shopping centre in the lead up to Christmas 2021.

Despite the challenges that many people have faced during the pandemic, it didn’t stop kind-hearted Wearsiders supporting a range of local charities.

The Bridges supported a number of good causes; the annual St Benedict’s Hospice Giving Tree returned for the fifth time and, despite being in place for just two weeks instead of the usual four, raised more money than previous years.

Shoppers gave almost £7,000 to support the Giving Tree initiative, which allows people to hang a bauble in memory of a loved one in exchange for a donation.

The Bridges’ own Christmas grotto brought in £1,500 which will be used to support charitable organisations across the city, while the Sun FM Toy Appeal brought in toys worth around £40,000.

The shopping centre also housed a stand on behalf of the British Legion which sold poppies in October and November which raised more than £12,500.

Karen Eve, Centre Director at the Bridges (pictured above), praised centre visitors for their bigheartedness.

“We know the people of Sunderland are always very generous but we were also mindful of what a tough time people have had in the last two years,

“So to hear from these amazing organisations that not only have they done as well as previous years but in some cases better, is fantastic and a real tribute to the kind hearted people we have in the city.

“The money they have given will make a real difference to so many worthwhile organisations and we’re very proud of the response we’ve had.”

Image credit: Karen Eve, the Bridges