Audiences at Lighthouse have done it again! Thanks to their incredible generosity, our annual Big Christmas Appeal has broken all records and is set to double the amount raised last year.
And there’s still time to make even more of a difference to local people in need.
Each year, Lighthouse raises money to help it give thousands of tickets to children, families and other groups from our community who might not otherwise be able to experience the magic of live theatre, music and cinema.
So far, the Big Christmas Appeal 2025 has raised £18,074.38 through bucket collection, online donations and personal cheques. There’s more to come throughout January and, with Gift Aid, it’s hoped it will eventually raise more than £20,000 – twice the amount raised a year ago.
“Once again, we are humbled by the fabulous generosity of our audience and supporters – thank you so much,” says Lighthouse Chief Executive Elspeth McBain.
“This money will enable so many people in our community to come to a show and enjoy some respite from their difficulties – these experiences can create a lasting impact.
“We are hugely grateful to everyone who donated, and also to all the Lighthouse staff and volunteers who have shaken buckets, to the panto cast and crew who came into the foyer after shows, and especially to Chris Jarvis who ensured that our Appeal was mentioned at every performance of Dick Whittington.”
Jo Sharkey, Family Support and Bereavement Lead at Lewis Manning Hospice Care, the Poole-based charity that helps people with life limiting illnesses, explained how powerful it can be for families to gain some respite from day-to-day challenges: “Having the tickets gave families the opportunity to ‘escape’ for a few hours from life that had brought difficulties through the year, and I can’t thank the Christmas Appeal Fund enough for making a difference.”
Kate Hibberd, CEO and Founder of Meredith’s Mission, the Bournemouth-based charity providing support and resources to children diagnosed with cancer, told us: “We are grateful for the generosity shown in supporting our charity with funding tickets… This allowed many of our families to enjoy some much needed time together after considerable isolation due to their children’s cancer treatment. The families really enjoyed the break of routine and enjoying something local. The show was fantastic.”
Erika Sloper, CEO of Poole Waste Not Want Not, which supports low-income families by providing affordable food, budgeting and social activities, reminded us how much seeing panto can mean: “One mum was moved to tears, sharing that it had always been her dream to create precious memories at the panto with her children – just as she once did with her grandad. She never imagined she’d be able to afford such a treat, and your kindness made that dream come true. Your support has created lasting memories for so many, and we are incredibly grateful.
The Big Christmas Appeal runs until Saturday 31 January.
- Donate at the Ticket Office in person, or by calling 01202 280000.
- Post a cheque made payable to ‘Poole Arts Trust’ to: Development, Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, BH15 1UG (please pop your details on it so that we can say thank you!)
Visit the website link https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/support-us/big-christmas-appeal/ and donate online.
(NC)