As part of Frenchgate Shopping Centre’s pledge to spread positivity and happiness to local charities, young people from the area are hosting a selection of summer social events for Age UK Doncaster.
The Centre recently launched the #FrenchgateShareYourHappy campaign and as part of Frenchgate’s long-term commitment to supporting Age UK Doncaster, volunteers from the town’s National Citizen Service (NCS) scheme have committed to hosting activities to benefit the charity.
Volunteers from the NCS – aged 15-17 are taking part in the campaign’s summer-long happiness themed celebration – ‘The Happy Festival’ and are currently hosting a variety of activities at Frenchgate to raise money for the charity’s weekly social event which takes place every Thursday at the Silver Link Centre, Bennetthorpe.
Shoppers can try their hand at making their own bird feeder, map out what makes them happy with the interactive happiness board or post photos on a fun smile wall – with all money raised going towards a string of summer social events hosted by the volunteers for the Age UK service users.
Gabby Da Silva, Co-Ordinator from NCS Doncaster, commented: “We are pleased to be working with Frenchgate to deliver such a fantastic range of activities not only for shoppers but for the people at the charity’s Silver Link Centre.
“On behalf of the NCS, we would like to say how proud we are of the volunteers and thank them for making such a positive difference.”
As part of hosting the weekly socials, the volunteers also arranged a surprise visit from Doncaster MP, Dame Rosie Winterton – as well as preparing sweet treats and games for the service users to enjoy.
Karen Staniforth, Assistant General Manager at Frenchgate, said: “We are delighted to be working with the young people from the NCS programme. They have shown a fantastic dedication to not only hosting really engaging activities for shoppers but have also gone above and beyond for those at the charity.
“Our happiness campaign is all about sharing positivity and the volunteers have really taken on board our values of sharing happiness to others. We would like to say thank you to the students for sharing their time, messages of good will and going the extra mile for the people of Doncaster.”
The Shopping Centre recently launched the happiness campaign, and as part of a series of fun-themed activities and initiatives, they are encouraging shoppers to share their messages of positivity.
Karen added: “We are asking shoppers to engage with us on our social media platforms, by using the hashtag #FrenchgateShareYourHappy and sharing their stories of what makes them happy when they visit the Centre.”
Aiming to make a change in the region, the NCS programme is made up of young people aged 15-17 from the area. The initiative is part of a nationwide scheme and is split across four phases; adventure, discovery, social action and celebration.
