Support Us: Bluewater Supporting Children in the South East This Christmas

The Bluewater Giving Tree – Spreading Joy Across the South East
If you’re based in the South East of England, you’ll likely know Bluewater Shopping Centre—and you may already be familiar with its wonderful Christmas initiative, The Bluewater Giving Tree, which has been running since 2013.

Each year, the Giving Tree invites shoppers to choose a tag from the Christmas tree, every tag representing a local child in need. Shoppers then purchase a thoughtful gift tailored to that child and return it to the tree. It’s a simple idea that makes a huge difference to families who could do with a boost or need support at Christmas.

Since 2017, Tree of Hope has been honoured to be one of the chosen children’s charities benefiting from the Giving Tree. Thanks to this partnership, we have been able to provide gifts to Tree of Hope families across Kent, Sussex and Essex—ensuring seriously ill and disabled children and their siblings receive something special at Christmas.

This year, we were delighted to be one of 45 charities taking part, receiving 29 beautiful gifts supporting 14 families. The gifts were delivered completely free of charge by Aylesford Couriers, a Maidstone-based courier business who have gone above and beyond for us once again.

Aylesford Couriers: Supporting Local Charities at Christmas
Our friends at Aylesford Couriers have supported Tree of Hope for many years. Their ongoing commitment enables us to take part in community initiatives like the Bluewater Giving Tree. Without them handling the logistics, we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver Christmas magic to so many local families. Their support shows the huge impact that regional business partnerships can have.

For organisations looking to improve their CSR strategy or those hoping to support a local children’s charity, Aylesford Couriers are a perfect example of how powerful corporate and charity partnerships can be.

The Bluewater Wrapping Station – Fundraising With Christmas Spirit
This year, Bluewater launched a brand-new Christmas initiative: The Bluewater Wrapping Station, located right next to the Giving Tree. For the very first time, local charities were invited to run a pop-up wrapping service for a day, wrapping shoppers’ Christmas gifts in exchange for charitable donations.

Tree of Hope were thrilled to be selected to run the station, alongside help from our amazing corporate partner Wards Estate Agents, who volunteered their time to wrap presents all day long!

Wards were so enthusiastic that their volunteering had to be split into three shifts just to ensure everyone who wanted to help could take part. On 11th December, the Wards team arrived in full festive spirit—complete with Christmas jumpers—and wrapped gifts using paper, tape and tags generously provided by Bluewater.

The wrapping station was a huge success. Shoppers absolutely loved it, with some using the opportunity to have their entire Christmas haul wrapped by the team! With prices ranging from £1.50 to £3, the Wards volunteers helped raise valuable funds for Tree of Hope, while also raising awareness among Bluewater visitors of the essential support we offer to families with seriously ill and disabled children.

Thank You Bluewater, Wards & Aylesford Couriers
Tree of Hope exists because of the people, businesses and partners who believe in our mission. We are deeply grateful to:

• Bluewater for continuously including us in your Christmas charity initiatives
• Aylesford Couriers for helping deliver every generous gift
• Wards Estate Agents for volunteering, fundraising and helping raise awareness

Their commitment shines a light on what community spirit and CSR support can achieve for children in need across the South East of England.

Partner With Us in 2025 – Make Tree of Hope Your Charity of the Year
If you are a business or organisation in the South East looking to:

• strengthen your CSR programme,
• adopt a charity of the year,
• partner with a local children’s charity,
• fundraise for a cause, or
• make a real difference to families near you…

Tree of Hope would love to talk to you. We are always looking for supportive partners to help through:

• fundraising events or challenges
• sponsoring fundraising initiatives
• corporate volunteering
• sharing business skills or expertise
• charity of the year partnerships
• larger collaborative projects

Your involvement could change a child’s life.

Get in touch here

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping us continue supporting children and families who need us most.