Westwood Cross has raised over £4,500 for its local 2016/17 charity partner Oasis, a charity providing domestic abuse support services across Kent. The centre worked to raise the funds over a year through a number of initiatives.
The partnership began at Isle of Thanet Gazette Heart of The Community Awards in 2016 where Westwood Cross selected Oasis for a ‘Special Award’, presenting them with an initial cheque for £1,500 and selecting them as their charity of the year in order to continue the support.
Throughout the year donations have been made by generous shoppers through Westwood Cross’ wishing well and collections at events such as fashion shows and the centre’s Pop up Park. Fundraising events included a Dragon Boat Race and donations including raffle prizes, furniture and office space.
Westwood Cross also provided employment for two members of staff who had previously used Oasis’ services. One of the staff members went on to win an award for her role in customer services. Despite overcoming significant obstacles getting back into work, she excelled in her professional role and proved herself to be invaluable to the team.
Francesca Donovan, centre manager at Westwood Cross, said: “We are proud to have supported such an important charity and over the last year the team at Westwood Cross and Oasis formed a special relationship. We have developed a good understanding of the charity and have enjoyed supporting Oasis, we are thrilled that the legacy will continue through the staff we have employed.
“It is truly inspirational to learn more about the projects and the people that make Thanet a great place to live and work and we are now looking forward to working with The Gap Project, a vibrant and innovative charity serving the local community.”
Dee Murphy, community fundraiser at Oasis, said: “We have been incredibly grateful to Westwood Cross for supporting Oasis as their local charity of the year. To receive the final cheque for £4,730 was simply staggering and will certainly make a difference to women and children using the refuge as well as those we help in the community.”
Love shouldn’t hurt
Two women are murdered every week in the UK by their partner or ex-partner and Oasis works to keep victims safe and help them rebuild their lives, free from abuse. The charity offers emergency, safe and temporary accommodation and ongoing support for families who have suffered domestic abuse across the county, sharing the message that love shouldn’t hurt.
For more information, please visit https://westwoodx.co.uk/ or http://www.oasisdaservice.org/