New year-long partnership takes off in style!

Princesshay is pleased to announce the WESC Foundation as its charity partner for 2013. The shopping centre remains committed to supporting local charities and organisations and is excited about working with WESC Foundation throughout the year on special events and specific fundraising activities.

To celebrate the ‘take off’ of the new partnership, Princesshay organised for a hot air balloon, courtesy of Aerosaurus Balloons, to be sited in the main square; young people from the WESC Foundation enjoyed the spectacle of the balloon taking off and landing!

The WESC Foundation, located on Topsham Road provides specialist care, education and therapy to children and young people who are blind or partially sighted. More than 100 children and young people attend WESC daily, weekly or all year round from all over the West of England.

Wayne Pearce, Princesshay Centre Director said, “We were fortunate enough to visit the WESC Foundation last month for a tour of the facilities and more importantly to meet some of the pupils. It’s an incredible school and the service and care the staff provide is life-changing. We’re delighted to be supporting the WESC Foundation this year and hope our joint initiatives not only raise the profile of the charity but much needed funds too!”

Most of the children and young people at WESC not only have impaired sight but also contend with other complex needs such as cerebral palsy and autism. To make sure the children and young people have the best education, care and fun the WESC Foundation employs a team of over 300 specialist staff who support the children and young people to reach their full potential.

Fundraising Manager Caroline Burkie from the WESC Foundation said, “We are thrilled to be Princesshay’s charity partner for 2013 and have lots of exciting plans in place including a major year-long competition due to be unveiled in March. We are also already working with the shopping centre to provide Braille menus for each of the restaurants and cafes.”