Ice rink attraction raised £2,500 for local charity
arc Shopping Centre has announced that the ice rink at Charter Square, a partnership of arc along with Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Bury St Edmunds Town Council and West Suffolk Council Levelling Up Fund, has raised £2,500 for local Bury St Edmunds charity and arc’s charity of the year, Gatehouse.
The ice rink, located in Charter Square from December 14th until January 3rd, was made free to the public with donations to the charity encouraged. The festive activity saw an incredible turnout from participants of all ages, providing a fun and memorable event for the community.
The ice rink was a joint endeavour funded by four partners, including arc Shopping Centre, Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Bury St Edmunds Town Council, and West Suffolk Council Levelling Up Fund. Allan Hassell, Centre Manager for arc Shopping Centre, said: “I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Our Bury St Edmunds BID, Bury St Edmunds Town Council, and West Suffolk Council Levelling Up Fund for their generous support in bringing this marvellous attraction to the town.” “Not only were we able to raise an incredible amount of funds for Gatehouse, we were able to provide the town with a free, family friendly activity at a time of year when everyone is feeling the pressure.”
Through a combination of private hire, card transactions, and cash donations, the ice rink managed to raise an impressive £2,500. This will be donated to Gatehouse Home Store and Food Bank, a local charity committed to helping those who are most vulnerable.
Amanda Bloomfield, CEO of Gatehouse, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’d like to thank all those who made donations to Gatehouse. The ice rink was a lovely family activity bringing a real festive feel to Bury St Edmunds.”
“The donations raised by the rink will go towards our services to the community, helping relieve poverty through practical and emotional support, providing a safe space for people to meet, make friends, and reduce isolation. I’d also like to thank the team at arc for all their fundraising in 2023, making a significant difference to those we help.”
Mark Cordell at Our Bury St Edmunds BID commended the success of the ice rink: “Bringing a free to use ice rink to the town for the festive period was the result of positive partnership work in order to attract people to the town centre but allowing them to spend their money with our businesses, rather than on entertainment, during this cost of living crisis. “I was delighted with the response and the positive comments we have received. It was lovely to see so many people using the rink, particularly young families and the fact that £2,500 was raised for the Gatehouse Charity was a fabulous bonus.”
