McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford is delighted to announce that it has raised a total of £51,976.51 for its 2016 charity partner, The Pilgrims Hospices, providers of specialist end of life care for the terminally ill in East Kent.

The designer outlet hosted a series of fundraising initiatives throughout the year to support the local charity, including: a Valentine’s ‘Love Lock’ installation, which encouraged couples to donate to The Pilgrims Hospices by purchasing and personalising a heart-shaped padlock for the installation as a symbol of their love; a 10km Pyjama Walk and a ‘Christmas Tree of Love’ collection box. Those who made a donation to the collection box during the festive season were given a beautiful dove to hang on The Pilgrims Hospices illuminated ‘Trees of Love’ in memory of their loved ones.

Victoria Friar, Fundraising Manager at The Pilgrims Hospices, said; “We are so grateful to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford for their longstanding support and particularly their adoption of our charity during 2016, which saw our most successful 10km Pyjama Walk to date. Each hour of free expert nursing we provide costs us £20, so the funds raised through the centre’s support could help to cover over 100 days of our care to local people. Many thanks to all of the McArthurGlen staff and customers who supported Pilgrims Hospice this year.”

Keen to continue its philanthropic activity in 2017, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford is pleased to announce that it will be supporting Kent Challenger Games this year. Led by disabled military servicemen and servicewomen, the aim of Kent Challenger Games is to inspire a generation of young people dealing with adversity through fun activities and sport. The centre plans to support the local charity with fundraising activities and promotion throughout the year ahead, including collection boxes across the stores, gift card fundraising initiatives and one-off in centre events, featuring athletics and rowing machines that their customers can engage and interact with.

Peter Corr, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford says, “We are proud to be backing an organisation so dedicated to the community’s wellbeing. We support Kent Challenger Games’ vision to engage disabled and disengaged young people through fun activities and hope our ability to raise funds and local awareness will make an enormous difference to this fantastic charity.”

The fun and games will kick start on Friday 14^th July 2017 at the Julie Rose Stadium, Ashford. It is expected around 500 children from across the schools in Ashford and surrounding areas will participate, including disabled and disengaged young people.