THE Kingfisher Shopping Centre in Redditch raised more than £13,000 for charity in the run up to Christmas, through a program of festive activities in and around the centre.

Sponsoring the first ever Santa Dash through Redditch, the Kingfisher helped to raise more than £3,000 for the Primrose Hospice, with a further £863 raised via a Christmas wrapping service within the centre.

In addition to their own fundraising efforts, the centre offered its Christmas tree to Primrose Hospice for its Tree of Lights campaign which this year raised more than £21,500 in Redditch and Bromsgrove.

Partnering with Betel of Britain, the Kingfisher raised more than £9,840, which will go towards the charity’s work in helping people break free from their addictions. A substantial £6,095 of this total was raised via the carol singing activity inside the centre, with the remainder raised via sales of furniture, Christmas trees and items in the craft fair.

Katie Broome, centre marketing manger, said: “We’re thrilled that we received such a good response to the fundraising activities we put on or supported on behalf of the two charities. Christmas is a time of giving, and we’re happy that we were able to give our helping hand to support the work of two amazing groups of people who work tirelessly to help those in need.”

Timon Robins, community relations co-ordinator for Betel of Britain, said: “We’re overwhelmed by the support we've received from the Kingfisher Shopping Centre in raising vital funds on the run up to Christmas.

"It is this support that allows our volunteers to continue to help turn lives around. This is fantastic.”

And Wendy Stokes, fundraising officer for the Primrose Hospice, added: “We’d like to thank the Kingfisher Shopping Centre once again for all their help and support with our fundraising and look forward to working with them on more fundraising activities in the future.”

Further information on ujp0coming events at the centre can be found at kingfishershopping.co.uk.