Town shopping centre recognised with international award

A Suffolk shopping centre has been recognised with an international award.

The arc Shopping Centre, Bury St Edmunds has been awarded an International Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Silver Excellence Award for Charity Partnership

The shopping centre partnered with the Gatehouse charity throughout 2023 and the early 2024.

The prestigious award recognises companies that have made a positive impact on society through their sustainable CSR initiatives.

Allan Hassell, centre manager said “We are delighted and honoured that our work with Gatehouse has been recognised and awarded a Silver International CSR Excellence Award 2024.

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“We aim to select a truly local charity each year, so that our efforts directly support our community.”

The Gatehouse charity runs a food bank and home store in Bury St Edmunds.

It was the arc’s Charity of the Year 2023-24 and the shopping centre raised £5,000 through events and commercialisation endeavours.

Gatehouse helps those in material and emotional need throughout West Suffolk.

It has been helping those in need since 1986 and provides people with food, clothes, shelter and ‘someone to talk to’.

The arc has nominated Bury St Edmunds Richsaw as its chosen charity for 2024 -2025.

The Rickshaws allow people who may experience social isolation due to limited mobility to be able to get out and about. They also deliver prescriptions and shopping to people in need.

The arc has already begun fundraising efforts and collected over £170 for the Rickshaws during its recent Father’s Day event, Score with Dad.

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The next event takes place on July 24 and is part of the centre’s: A Bury Beautiful World workshop series.

The event will take families through the farmyard, educating them on various aspects of where our food comes from.

The centre has invited Depden Care Farm and Dream Care Farm CIC to attend the event and raise awareness of the work they do.

Depden Care Farm provides therapy activities for all ages, ensuring everyone, whatever their ability, has access to meaningful work that builds self-esteem, self-confidence and self-care and has a place where their contribution to their community is valued and respected.

Mr Hassell added: It’s marvellous to be working with another great charity of the year, the Bury St Edmunds Rickshaw.

“A huge thank to all of our shoppers for their continued support.”