Shopping centre aims to bring Christmas cheer to children with giving tree campaign

Christmas shoppers in Bristol can spread the festive joy this year by donating presents to disadvantaged children in the city.

The Galleries’ Giving Tree campaign has returned to the city centre shopping centre.

It invites people to select a tag on the tree and purchase a gift for a local child, placing it inside a box at the centre.

All gifts will be presented to The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Charity, which supports disadvantaged children and young people at Christmas time.

As revealed by BristolWorld, the city struggles with inequality - despite being one of the most prosperous in the UK, it also has some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country.

The charity has been supporting local children for 100 years.

Bruce Simmonds, chairman of the charity, said: “Christmas should be a very special occasion for all children, and the appeal makes sure that it reaches out to the less fortunate by enabling them to have something special at Christmas.”

David Wait, centre manager at The Galleries, said: “We’re really looking forward to supporting such a great cause this year.

“We hope that this year, with our shoppers’ help, we can help bring some extra Christmas magic to the children and young people supported by The Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Charity.”

For more information, visit www.galleriesbristol.co.uk