Merseyway’s Giving Tree delivers £120,000 worth of Christmas cheer to thousands across Stockport and Greater Manchester

Merseyway has once again proven that a little kindness goes a long way, as its annual Giving Tree campaign delivered an incredible £120,000 worth of gifts to thousands of children and families across Stockport and Greater Manchester.

Now in its seventh year at Merseyway Shopping Centre, the Giving Tree – organised by the Centre Management team – has become a much-loved festive tradition in Stockport, inviting shoppers and businesses to help make Christmas special for less fortunate children by donating a gift via a white Christmas tree in the centre. Participants are invited to select a red tag, each detailing the age, gender and gift wish of a child within the community. Once purchased, gifts are dropped at the dedicated donation point, ready for distribution by the Merseyway team and partner organisations in time for Christmas Day.

Ran from November 11^th – December 14^th, the 2025 campaign marked the most impactful year in the initiative’s history, with thousands of generous donations made including toys, books, games, winter essentials and nightwear, ensuring warmth, comfort and joy reached those most in need.

This year alone, The Giving Tree supported 18 schools across Stockport, Women in Refuge, local youth groups in deprived areas, homeless families and thousands of children across the wider community. Notable contributions included over 200 pairs of pyjamas donated to Emmie’s Kitchen, a local charity which provides meals to parents with children staying in hospital, and more than 500 items of warm clothing delivered to local homeless charity, The Wellspring, providing vital support during the winter months. The campaign also extended its reach to Starlight Children’s Ward at Wythenshawe Hospital, working in partnership with Merseyway tenant, The Coffee Block, to bring festive cheer to children spending Christmas in hospital.

Victoria Nichol, Merseyway Centre Manager said, “The Giving Tree continues to be our most meaningful initiative that we deliver each year. Seeing how it has grown over the last seven years is a true reflection of the compassion and generosity of Stockport and the wider community- we even had a school travel from Wigan to take part this year!”.

“From our team here at Merseyway and volunteers, to shoppers, partners and local businesses that support the campaign, everyone plays a vital role. Together, we’re making sure that no child in our community wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning.”

The success of the 2025 Giving Tree campaign was made possible thanks to the support of key contributors including British Gas, Starkey, Gorvins Solicitors, Seven Movement Gym and Stockport County FC, alongside countless local shops and community groups.