Charities involved in the recent Bath Christmas Market have reported that more than £6,000 was raised over the course of the 18 day event in November and December 2012.
Charities involved in the recent Bath Christmas Market have reported that more than £6,000 was raised over the course of the 18 day event in November and December 2012. Bath Tourism Plus, organisers of the market donate one of their retail chalets each year, and invite local and national charities to use it for one day each to raise awareness and funds for their deserving causes. Chief Executive of Bath Tourism Plus, Nick Brooks-Sykes says: “As an event that attracts a huge number of people and a lot of media attention, we are pleased to be able to offer support to local charities. It is a great way for local and national charities to put themselves and their causes in front of a huge audience – and these figures from the 2012 event show that it can be a huge success for them financially too.” Funds raised in the charity chalet at the 2012 Bath Christmas Market will benefit causes including Cots for Tots Appeal, Positive Action on Cancer, The Forever Friends Appeal, Bath Mind, CLIC Sargent, Bath Cats & Dogs Home and Help for Heroes. Amounts raised in the donated chalet vary between £100 to more than £1300 in a single day. In addition to the chalet, there are other ways that money is generated to benefit deserving causes at Bath Christmas Market, with many buskers and entertainers donating their takings to good causes and schools and community groups fundraising by singing carols and collecting donations. Even the owners of the Victorian Carousel raised their own charity donation by offering Bath local businesses complimentary rides in return for a charity donation. This year they raised £158 for the Lifeline centre run by the Genesis Trust. The Lifeline centre based in the vaults of Bath Abbey is a day centre that provides both practical help and a listening ear to those who are homeless or vulnerably housed in Bath. Mr Brooks-Sykes adds: “Although 2012 was economically difficult for many people, they still give generously to charities at our event – I think it is the Christmas spirit it evokes in people. We don’t know for sure, but the amount raised for charity at the 2012 market could exceed £10,000. We are proud and pleased to be in a position to help the charities in their work, and will continue to do so 2013.” If you represent a local charity, or a local branch of a national charity and would like to be considered for the charity stall at Bath Christmas Market 2013, see the website for details of how to apply: bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.
