St Johns has taken the decision to help families beat the cost of living crisis this Christmas by putting on a Grotto where children can meet Santa for free.
During the pandemic, St Johns supported Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Although fundraising was very difficult we were luckily enough to house YAA and offer them the opportunity to open a charity shop right here in St Johns. With our fundraising, and the proceeds from the shop, we were able to raise £21,276! We wish YAA similar success this year and hope our wonderful tenants, customers and staff continue to support the shop.
In 2022, we are supporting two incredible charities that provide help to families in need. Child poverty is a huge problem in the UK and it is becoming more and more prevalent in recent times. Leeds Baby Bank work on a referral basis and support families in crisis, providing them with essentials for children aged 0-5. They provide everything from pushchairs and cots to nappies and formula. They accept donations of pre-loved items which can be brought to us in the Centre Management Suite.
Zarach also provide essentials to children, with one of their focuses being to end child bed poverty. They provide bed bundles which include beds, mattresses, pyjamas and bedding to children who do not have them, as well as other essentials. They work on a referral basis and accept donations of new items including bedding and pyjamas for all ages. These can also be brought to us at the Management Suite.
Every penny and every pound raised makes a difference to these charities and to the families they support. Throughout the year, we will be collecting much needed items, as well as fundraising to support them in their mission to tackle child poverty. We hope you will support us in any way you are able.
Event: Santa’s Grotto;
Venue: St Johns Centre, Merrion Street, Leeds LS2 8LQ – 0113 244 6315;
Dates: Saturdays between 26 November and 17 December. Then 19, 20, 22 & 23 December;
Timings: 11am to 4pm.
St Johns General manager Andrew Stringer said:
“Times are tough for everyone at the moment, so with that in mind, we felt it was extremely important to give families the opportunity to meet Santa at St Johns this year without financial restriction getting in the way.”
The grotto will open on Saturdays from 26 November through to 17 December between 11am and 4pm and then every day from 19 December to 23 December. It will be closed to the public on 21 December for a charity event. The grotto will be located on the upper balcony. Families don’t have to book they can just turn up on the day. Details are on www.stjohnsleeds.co.uk or www.facebook.com/StJohnsLeeds
St Johns is welcoming donations for the Leeds based charity Zarach which provides beds and basics to children in poverty: www.zarach.org
