Drake Circus launches giant giving box to raise funds for local charities

Drake Circus has installed a giant giving box to help give back to those most impacted by the pandemic in the local community.

Located at its Cornwall Street entrance, visitors can use contactless payment to easily donate £3, £5 or £10 to Macmillan Cancer Support, Andy’s Man Club, Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services and Woodside Animal Welfare Trust. The giving box will light up in response to any donation it receives.

For over 100 years Macmillan Cancer Support has been there for people living with cancer at their greatest times of need. Throughout the pandemic the charity has continued to provide physical and mental support to cancer patients, with many facing uncertainty around self-isolation and shielding.

Andy’s Man Club was established in 2016 after the tragic loss of Andrew Roberts to suicide aged just 23. Providing mental health support to males across Plymouth, donations will help to fund its sessions that are held every Monday at 7pm (except bank holidays) There is no referral process, signing in or charge – any man over 18 is welcome to attend.

Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services provide practical, non-judgmental support, advice, and protection for all victims of domestic abuse. It offers a wide range of support to individuals and families in the Plymouth area including confidential advice, support sessions, and a refuge.

Woodside has been serving the local community in Plymouth and surrounding areas for more than 40 years, taking in 19 different species of pets – from cats and dogs to rodents and livestock. Its welfare team work within the community, offering assistance, education on animal welfare, and supporting those who are most vulnerable.

Greg Lumley, centre director at Drake Circus, said: “This festive season, it seems only right to focus on supporting the people, charities and organisations who have gone above and beyond to help the people most in need in our community.

“We hope our customers will enjoy reversing the role of Santa and giving back to these amazing organisations that help people across the region.”

The centre has also launched a competition to reward someone who has gone out of their way to support the local community this year with £250 to spend on themselves at Drake Circus as a small ‘thank you’ for all their hard work.

To nominate someone special you’ll need to fill out a simple entry form on Drake Circus’ website to explain why you think they deserve to win: https://www.drakecircus.com/christmas/community-hero.

Drake Circus is open from 9am to 6pm throughout December, with late night shopping until 8pm on Thursdays. Many retailers will also be offering click-and-collect services, and some have also extended their opening hours in the lead up to Christmas.

Shoppers are being encouraged to visit outside of peak times if they can, with quieter times usually mid-morning or late afternoon and into the early evening on weekdays. Customers can park for £2 when arriving after 5pm and leaving before the car park closes.

For more information about planning a trip to Drake Circus, please visit: https://www.drakecircus.com/christmas/planning-your-visit.