Media Release: CHAS opens new shop at The Centre, Livingston

A NEW shop for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) opens on Friday 4 December 2009 at The Centre, Livingston, one of Scotland’s newest and fastest growing regional shopping destinations.

For the opening day CHAS at The Centre will be open between 10am-2pm and CHAS are keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering in the new shop.  Following the launch, the shop will be open between 11am- 3pm every Friday for the next three months.

Customers can find great bargains, from donated toys, games, books and bric-a-brac, to Christmas cards and CHAS logo goods. Shoppers can also take part in the tombola to win a selection of prizes.

Anyone interested in finding out more about CHAS can watch the latest DVD in the store and speak to a CHAS volunteer or staff member about volunteering or fundraising opportunities.

The store will also be accepting donations of unwanted, good quality accessories, books and toys and bric-a-brac and new or unwanted items for tombola prizes such as gift sets, teddies, CDs and DVDs.

Julie Macdonald, CHAS fundraising manager, said: “It is a very exciting opportunity for us to have this space in The Centre. The opening day promises to be a fun event with refreshments and great tombola prizes.

“CHAS staff and volunteers are looking forward to meeting shoppers and invite anyone who would like to buy a bargain or find out more about CHAS to pop in and see us.”

Jennifer Bruce, The Centre marketing manager, said: “We are thrilled to help CHAS open their new store at The Centre. As our nominated charity for the year – customers at The Centre have already been very generous and have raised a fantastic amount of funds; however, I hope the new shop will offer a real boost in the run-up to Christmas.

“CHAS is a very worthwhile recipient of The Centre’s funds as it takes over £5 million per year to run the Scottish-based Children’s Hospices – Rachel House and Robin House, as well as the CHAS at Home service. Families are not charged to use CHAS so I am thrilled we have an opportunity to help make a real difference to the people who use these vital services.”

If you would like to support CHAS please contact 0131 4441515 or go to http://www.chas.org.uk/

Ends

For further information please contact:

Gemma Smith, CHAS press officer on 0131 4444907 gemmasmith@chas.org.uk or Anna Jackson, CHAS PR Manager on 0131 4444913 annajackson@chas.org.uk

Beattie Communications on behalf of The Centre, Livingston  – Hazel Mackie, senior account executive, Beattie Communications on 01324 602557 hazel.mackie@beattiegroup.com

Notes to Editors:

The Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) is a Scottish charity that provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

A children’s hospice offers professional care, practical help and emotional support to the whole family usually from the day of acceptance, to the death of their child, and beyond.

Rachel House in Kinross, Scotland’s first children’s hospice, opened in March 1996.  Robin House in Balloch opened in August 2005.  Both hospices are purpose-built and each can provide ongoing support for up to 200 families across Scotland each year.  The CHAS at Home Team offers support to families referred to the hospices by providing a care service to families in their own homes when they need it most.

Visit CHAS at www.chas.org.uk

The Centre, Livingston

The Centre offers a dynamic and inviting environment where people can shop, eat, relax or meet – whatever the weather. Boasting around 155 retailers as well as five restaurants, The Centre is made up of various elements comprising five distinct areas:

Elements Square – the dramatic new 375,000 sq ft extension houses top retailers including M&S, Debenhams, Next and River Island located within an indoor shopping area with an outdoor feel.

The Wintergarden – located upstairs within Elements Square, the Wintergarden has comfortable seating and catering outlets in a leafy garden environment providing an ideal break from the busy shopping areas.

The Avenue – this road running between The Centre and Livingston Designer Outlet is home to the town’s five new restaurants – Nandos, Chiquito, Ask, Tony Roma’s and Wagamama.

Almondvale Walk – the most easterly section of The Centre runs from JJB and Aulds along to Asda Walmart featuring favourites including WH Smith, Bodycare and M&Co.

Almondvale Place – the mall that stretches from Semichem along to Carphone Warehouse, with top names including Boots, Argos and Chisholm Hunter.

Address:     The Centre, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6HR

PRESS RELEASE issued by CHAS. You too can post your story ideas for journalists (aka Press or media releases), on allmediascotland.com. Email info@allmediascotland.com for more information.

Contact: Anna Jackson/ Gemma Smith
Phone: 0131 444 4913/ 0131 444 4907
Email: annajackson@chas.org.uk / gemmasmith@chas.org.uk
Website: http://www.chas.org.uk