The Sunshine Fund has announced a two-year charity partnership with Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure, cementing the collaboration until the charity's 100th anniversary in 2028. The partnership will focus on raising awareness and funds for specialist equipment for disabled children and young people across North East England.
Charity partnership details
The Sunshine Fund, a charity that delivers specialist and adapted equipment to children and young people with disabilities, special educational needs and complex medical conditions, will be the shopping centre's chosen charity partner. The charity funds equipment not provided by the NHS or local authorities, aiming to remove barriers to independence, dignity and full participation for disabled children.
Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure selected The Sunshine Fund due to its focus on supporting local families and removing barriers to independence, aligning with the centre's commitment to accessibility, inclusion and the local community.
What the partners say
Nick Lambert, centre manager at Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure, said: “We’re delighted to welcome The Sunshine Fund as our new charity partner. The work they do has a very real impact on children and families across the North East, including here in Northumberland.”
Lambert added: “We want this to be a hands-on partnership that goes beyond fundraising. Manor Walks gives us a fantastic platform to help raise awareness of the support available, bring families together and create opportunities for our customers, retailers and team to get involved throughout the year.”
David Wilson, head of charity at The Sunshine Fund, said: “We’re privileged to be chosen as Manor Walks’ charity partner and look forward to working together over the next two years to raise awareness and much needed funds for our work. Like us, Manor Walks is a central part of the local community, and this partnership will undoubtedly transform many lives across our region.”
Upcoming duck race fundraiser
This weekend, The Sunshine Fund will be at Eldon Square ahead of the Ponteland Duck Race, selling duck race tickets and rubber ducks for children to take home, decorate and return to race on the day. A hook-a-duck game will also be available, which will also feature at the Duck Race itself.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.pontelandduckrace.co.uk, with sales closing on Monday, August 31. After that, tickets can only be bought on the day. Entry to the event is free, and race tickets cost £2 per duck or £10 for a duck in each race.
The Ponteland Duck Race will take place on Sunday, September 6 in Ponteland Park, West Road, from 11.30am to 4pm. The event will include raffles, games, kids fairground rides, a market with local traders, food and drink stalls, and ducks racing along the river.
For more information on getting involved, contact The Sunshine Fund at hello@thesunshinefund.org.
