MAGICAL MOMENT FOR BUDDY BEAR TRUST AS RUSHMERE SHOPPING CENTRE ANNOUNCE ITS CHARITY PARTNERSHIPS FOR 2011

Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon has recently announced Buddy Bear Trust and Save the Children as their official charity partners for 2011.

The shopping centre kicked-off its yearlong fundraising events calendar for the charities with a Mother’s Day event which saw local mums flock to the centre on Saturday 2^nd April to get their picture taken with their children in return for a donation to the two charities.

The hugely successful on-mall activity raised £300 as parents dug deep into their pockets in exchange for a printed Mother’s Day photograph to cherish, courtesy of Rushmere.

Based in Dungannon, the Buddy Bear Trust operates a special school serving the needs of children with cerebral palsy. The school provides education known as Conductive Therapy, based on the pioneering work of the world famous PETO Institute in Hungary.

As part of the centre’s charity initiative for 2011, fundraising proceeds will also go to Save the Children; a charity working with over 120 countries around the world to save and improve children’s lives while helping them fulfill their true potential.

Martin Walsh, manager of Rushmere Shopping Centre said:

“As part of our ongoing commitment to invest in the local community and the lives of children the world over, Rushmere Shopping Centre is delighted to partner with Buddy Bear Trust and Save the Children as our dedicated charities for 2011.

“Staff and management at the centre are proud to be part of the fundraising effort for both charities and we hope that our shoppers will help us in raising money which will go a long way towards improving the lives of children in Northern Ireland and those living in poverty across the world.”

Brendan McConville, Chairman of the Buddy Bear Trust, said:

“We are delighted to receive the support of Rushmere Shopping Centre which will help us deliver a vital service to young people in Dungannon and communities across Northern Ireland who face many challenges with their condition.

“The Buddy Bear Trust relies heavily on support from the community and donations from fundraising projects such as Rushmere’s Mother’s Day incentive are a valuable source of income that helps us provide support to young people with Cerebral Palsy.”

Rushmere Shopping Centre will be holding events and fundraising days throughout the year for both charities. For more information please visit www.rushmereshopping.com