The charity chalets at Bath’s Christmas market last year collectively raised more than £26,000 for their causes, organiser Visit Bath has announced.
The destination marketing organisation added a second chalet for 2019 to take account of an increase in the number of applications – a move that allowed it to double the number of charities it supported to 36.
Each day during the market a different charity had free use of a chalet to fundraise and increase awareness of their work.
Visit Bath CEO Kathryn Davis said: “In 2018, some 18 charities raised more than £12,000 between them, so to more than double that last year to £26,000 is fantastic. We’re extremely proud that Bath Christmas Market is able to support so many local and regional good causes.”
One of the charities to use a chalet last year was Bristol-based CCS Adoption, pictured above.
Trustee Catherine Graham said: “Having a chalet at Bath Christmas market for the day really did benefit our charity from both a fundraising and general awareness perspective. We often hear heart-warming stories of people’s own experience of adoption on these occasions which is very worthwhile. 
“We managed to raise just under £1,000 on the day – which was fantastic – through the sales of Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, decorations etc many of which were handmade/donated by adopters and family members.”
Bath & North East Somerset charities to benefit from the market chalets included B&NES Dementia Action Alliance, pictured right, Bath Rugby Foundation, Foodcycle Bath, The Forever Friends Appeal, Bath Child Contact Centre, Dorothy House Hospice, Genesis Trust, Mentoring Plus and Cats in Distress.
Since its launch 19 years ago Bath’s Christmas market has grown to become the South West’s biggest shopping event in the South West. Last year it won the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year category at The South West England Tourism Excellence Awards.
This year it takes place between Thursday November 28 and Sunday December 15.
Charities looking to have a chalet at this year’s Christmas market should contact christmas.market@visitbath.co.uk
