The Centre, Livingston has unveiled its Christmas activities programme to help raise funds for the charity, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which includes its first-ever Elf School, free visits to Santa’s Grotto and a festive fashion event with the stylist and colour analysis expert, Leigh Maybury.
This is the third consecutive year the shopping centre has partnered with CHAS to help raise funds and awareness of the services they provide for children with life-shortening conditions and support for their families, including respites and counselling, through various events and activities.
Visitors to the shopping centre can join Santa’s little helpers for some festive fun at the first-ever Elf School, which will take place on the weekends of the 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd November, from 11am until 4pm. Activities include wreath making, decorating wooden tree ornaments and making reindeer food. Everyone taking part will receive an Elf School Graduation Certificate.
There’s also the chance to visit Santa in his Grotto for free this year. Tickets, which are limited, can be collected from the Gift Card stand next to New Look from Saturday, 1st November, from 9am until 5pm.
The Grotto, which is inside a big present box located next to Subway, will be open from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 6th December, Sunday, 7th December, Friday, 12th December and Saturday, 13th December. Quieter sessions will take place on Friday, 12th December, between 10am and 12noon. All children’s activities are free, with donations optional for CHAS.
On Saturday, 15th December shoppers will also have the chance to get festive fashion tips from stylist and colour analysis expert, Leigh Maybury, whether it’s for a work night out, dinner party or a day out with friends, to help you sparkle and shine this Christmas.
The style event, which is free, will be located in front of M&S, and run from 12 – 4pm, however all one-to-one, 15-minute express colour analysis sessions, which can be booked on the day on a first-come, first-served basis, will cost £10 per person with all funds going to CHAS.
Other activities include ‘The Giant Advent Calendar’ competition, located next to the Grotto, where shoppers will have the opportunity to win daily prizes, including a Beauty Advent Calendar from M&S, a wagamama cook book and two £15 vouchers to spend in their restaurant, a drone from MenKind, a gift set from Lush and Rituals, and a Philips shaver and Remington hairdryer from Boots.
Additional prizes include a Wreath Selection Box from Hotel Chocolat, a book from Waterstones, a home diffuser from Clintons, a climbing adventure voucher to spend at Aerial Adventures for a family of four, Darts Targets from ArrowHeadz and a £50 voucher to spent at Las Iguanas.
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “Thank you so much to The Centre, Livingston and this wonderful community for the incredible support – every donation turns into expert care, respite and unforgettable moments for the children and families we support.
“Caring for a child with complex needs is incredibly difficult, especially around Christmas, but your generosity keeps the magic alive when it’s needed most.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We are delighted to launch our exciting programme of events throughout the festive period this year to help raise funds and awareness for our Charity Partner, CHAS, including our first-ever Elf School and free visits to see Santa.
“It’s also great to welcome our stylist Leigh Maybury back into the shopping centre to give visitors some insights into what’s trending this winter, the standout outfits for all festive celebrations and which colours to go for.”
