This week we launched our 2026 Christmas Gift Appeal with a festive trolley dash at Charter Walk Shopping Centre, bringing local businesses together to help make Christmas special for children and young people across Burnley.
The fun launch saw businesses across the shopping centre get involved, helping to kick-start the appeal and raise awareness of the difference local people and organisations can make by supporting families at Christmas.
Now in its fifth year, the Burnley Together Christmas Gift Appeal supports families who may otherwise struggle to afford gifts for their children. Last year, the appeal helped more than 1,100 children across 523 families, and the team hopes to reach even more families this Christmas.
Ella Roberts, who coordinates the appeal, said: “We wanted to launch the appeal in a fun way, and as Down Town is based in Charter Walk, we thought it would be great to get them involved too.
“It was lovely to see local businesses coming together to support the appeal and help spread the word. Christmas can be a difficult time financially for some families, and every donation helps us make a difference to children across Burnley.”
Debbie Hernon, Charter Walk Shopping Centre manager, said: “We have a great community of businesses here and it was amazing to see so many of them get involved. It’s lovely to see everyone coming together for such a worthwhile cause, and we hope the launch encourages even more people to support the appeal.”
Burnley Together would also like to thank Scott Dawson Advertising for providing the signage for the trolley, which will now be located at Tesco in Burnley as a collection point for donations.
There’s still time to get involved
Businesses, community groups and individuals can get behind this year’s appeal by donating money or new, unwrapped gifts for children and young people aged from birth to 18.
Gifts are needed for all ages, with gift cards and games particularly welcome for teenagers. Every contribution will help Burnley Together support families who might otherwise find it difficult to provide presents at Christmas.
Anyone interested in supporting the Burnley Together Christmas Gift Appeal can email christmas@burnleytogether.org.uk or visit www.burnleytogether.org.uk/christmas to find out more.
Together, we can help create lasting Christmas memories for children and families across Burnley.
