Local Girlguides make great Santa’s Little Helpers
Published: Friday, 25 November 2011
Local Girlguides make great Santa’s Little Helpers
Santa’s little helpers have been hard at work in Fareham Shopping Centre’s Christmas Grotto since its opening on Sunday 20th November.
The Grotto is once again being run by volunteers from Girlguiding Hampshire East following its success last year where over £4,000 was raised which went towards supporting the young people in their groups.
The Grotto, which was officially opened by Mayor Councillor Trevor Cartwright MBE, Mayoress Mrs Ruth Cartwright and Santa, will enjoy longer opening hours this year. Young shoppers are welcomed to the winter wonderland by the girls where they can tell Santa their Christmas wish and receive a gift.
Visitors to Santa can also collect a special colouring competition booklet for a chance to win a family ticket to Ferneham Hall’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast starring Ian Watkins, formerly H from pop group Steps.
Fareham Shopping Centre’s Pam Marsden, Centre Director, said: “Girlguiding did such a fantastic job of running the grotto last year it made sense to ask them back again this Christmas. Not only do the Guides make great elves, it also enables Fareham Shopping Centre to give something back to local community groups.’
‘Our Christmas Grotto is even more magical than last year’s and we’d urge families to come along and see it for themselves during a break from their Christmas shopping.”
County Commissioner for Girlguiding Hampshire East, Jacqui Dixon, said: “The Christmas Grotto at Fareham Shopping Centre is a great opportunity for us to get involved in a community project and help raise vital funding. A tremendous amount of £4,130 was raised last year which supported our young people to take part in adventurous activities.”
Other festive displays brimming with Christmas animals and characters can be found around the Centre by Costa Coffee and Bhs.
