Chester-based children’s charity, KidsBank, launches sparking fund-raising Christmas tree at Chester Market on 7 November to ensure the children they support receive a Christmas gift.

Now in place ,a Christmas tree will illuminate Chester’s busy Market thanks to Chester-based children’s charity, KidsBank. The aim is to encourage donations to the charity’s crowd fund appeal ‘No child without a Gift this Xmas’ at Spacehive.com.

The KidsBank Christmas tree is located in the Mini Market area to the right of the central atrium.

The charity estimates up to 1,500 children in the area will need their support this Christmas. You can help them make a difference by donating money through their crowd fund appeal, or by donating a new toy at their drop-off donations centre at 21-23 Garden Lane, Chester, CH1 4EU. For more information about KidsBank go to kidsbankchester.com.

Cathy Pettingale, Founder and CEO of KidsBank, said: “Christmas should be a joyful time for everyone, but we understand that these are tough economic times for many families. That’s why we are dedicated to helping as many children as possible to receive a Christmas gift.’

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: said: “The new market opened just before Christmas last year and has quickly established itself as an award-winning ‘must go-to’ place to visit with a wonderful choice of food, produce and goods traders. We are delighted to be supporting the very important work of local charity KidsBank by featuring its glittering festive tree and in doing so helping them ensure many more children will have a gift this Christmas.”

KidsBank, strives to support struggling families throughout the year by providing them with new and pre-loved items for their babies and children up to 12 years old. They believe in giving practical help, as well as bringing hope and dignity to those who need it most. Our pop-up community projects in Ellesmere Port, Blacon, and Holywell provide a safe space for families to connect with our team and receive the support they need.

Since opening in May 2019, KidsBank has distributed over 122,000 items, including over 64,000 items of clothing, to families in need across Cheshire West and Chester and Flintshire. They are proud of the impact they have made so far, and are committed to continuing their mission of helping struggling families in our local community.

KidsBank has regular pop-ups at:

Monday – St Peter’s Church, Rosehill, Holywell, CH8 7TL (monthly), 11am-1.30pm

Wednesday – Westminster Community Centre, Church Parade, Ellesmere Port, CH65 2ER (fortnightly), 10am – 12pm

Thursday – Playtots, Holy Trinity Church, Blacon,  CH1 5DZ (monthly), 11am-1.30pm