Hartlepool's phenomenal Giving Tree Appeal receives national award from Prime Minister Boris Johnson

The annual Giving Tree Appeal, at Hartlepool’s Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, moved online this year following difficulties presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

Rather than delivering presents direct to the shopping centre, supporters were encouraged to open a virtual tag and post their chosen present.

Organisers at the centre were initially expecting to distribute around 1,500 gifts to two Hartlepool charities.

Yet the final number is an astounding 174,730 presents after the campaign attracted nationwide and even international support following 28,000 shares on Facebook and 19,000 retweets on Twitter.

The appeal’s success has also now earned it a Point of Light – an accolade awarded daily by the sitting Prime Minister – in recognition of its inspirational community support.

Delighted shopping centre manager Mark Rycraft said: “We have been blown away by the success of the giving tree campaign this year which raised 174,730 gifts and we are honoured to have been chosen as the UK’s 1,549th Point of Light.

"The campaign means so much to us as a team and we’re so grateful to our partner charities, staff and volunteers who have enabled us to provide gifts for so many children across the UK who may not have had a Christmas present this year.

"I am truly honoured to accept this award and recognition from the Prime Minister.”

The shopping centre is now busy wrapping and distributing the presents in time for Christmas Day.

The main causes to benefit will be Hartlepool Carers, a charity providing support for those who find themselves caring for someone in their life, and Harbour Support Services, which has worked for more than 37 years to improve the lives of families living with domestic abuse.

Given the unexpected response to this year’s appeal, which has now closed, the shopping centre will also be supporting Metro Radio's TFM Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Appeal.

Thanking everyone for their support, Mr Rycraft added: “It really is a fantastic way to end the year and we have been amazed at the kindness shown by strangers in our local community and across the UK.”

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