Thank you!
Ards Shopping Centre’s Santa’s Grotto Raises Vital Funds for Local Charities
Ards Shopping Centre has announced the success of its annual Santa’s Grotto fundraising campaign, raising vital funds for three local charities thanks to the generosity of shoppers over the festive season.
Karen Marshall, Centre Manager at Ards Shopping Centre, said the grotto continues to be one of the highlights of the Christmas calendar, not just for families, but for the wider community.
“Our Santa’s Grotto is always a highlight of the festive season, but what truly makes it special is the generosity of our customers,” she said. “Thanks to their kindness, we are incredibly proud to have raised vital funds for three fantastic charities — DadBods NI, The Barn and Friends of the Cancer Centre.
“These charities do extraordinary work across our community, supporting mental and physical health for fathers, animal welfare and those affected by cancer. It is an honour to be able to play a small part in helping them to continue their work. We would like to sincerely thank every family who visited Ards this Christmas and donated, your generosity has made a real and meaningful difference.”
Supporting Dads and Families
Dadbods NI has also been supported through the fundraising initiative, reflecting the centre’s continued commitment to their Community charity partner throughout the year. Founder and Chairman, Col Bignell, expressed his gratitude for the centre’s continued backing.
“On behalf of the DadBods NI team, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your support throughout the year. Your fundraising efforts have made a significant impact, and we are grateful for your commitment to supporting our cause.
“Thanks to the initial £1,500 raised, we have been able to provide vital care for dads and children within our community, building support networks. This funding has facilitated our weekly events, including walks, food, drinks and necessary equipment. Additionally, contributions have helped us advertise and promote our group through flyers in hospitals and maternity units to reach new dads and families.
“The additional £500 raised over Christmas has enabled us to purchase marathon spaces for the upcoming Belfast Marathon, allowing dads to run, fundraise and raise awareness for our charity. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in our community.”
Supporting Cancer Patients
Friends of the Cancer Centre, which is dedicated to making a real and meaningful difference to cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland, also benefited from the festive appeal.
The charity funds additional nurses, supports local research and provides practical help such as financial grants to families facing a cancer diagnosis. All money raised stays within Northern Ireland, directly benefiting local patients.
Fundraising Officer Emma Stockton thanked Ards Shopping Centre and its shoppers for their support.
“On behalf of everyone at Friends of the Cancer Centre, I would like to thank Ards Shopping Centre for choosing to support the charity at Christmas. Thanks to the generosity of their wonderful shoppers who donated when visiting Santa, they have raised a fantastic £1,600.
“We would also like to say a big thank you to our friends at the Belfast Chapter of the Harley Owners Group and our North Down fundraising group for coming along and supporting the Santa’s Grotto opening night. The money raised will make a very big difference to the lives of patients and their families across Northern Ireland.”
The Barn Animal Rescue also benefited from £600 which was raised from the Santa Paws events, which were held on Sunday mornings before the centre opened.
The success of the Santa’s Grotto fundraising once again highlights the strong sense of community at the heart of Ards Shopping Centre, with festive fun translating into real and lasting impact for local causes.
