Big Christmas Appeal

Give thousands of disadvantaged children, families, and those experiencing isolation and loneliness the gift of live theatre, music, and cinema.

Every year, the Big Christmas Appeal helps us to give away thousands of free and discounted tickets to those that need it the most including children, families, and other groups from the community who are experiencing hardship and disadvantage.

This can be a life-changing experience and can only happen with your support.

Why it Matters

Penny Day from MYTIME Young Carers explains:

“Childhood caring responsibilities can be all-consuming, and young carers often struggle to find time for rest and recreation. The chance to visit the theatre may be an extremely rare thing, but it can make all the difference… helping them to relax, broaden horizons, and grow into happy, well rounded adults.”

Ms D Armstrong, from the Prama Life Community, shared:

“My appreciation can be summed up by my Mum’s comment: ‘it sort of made me feel… I don’t know the word, but I was singing as I went round the bungalow and I haven’t felt like that for a very long time.’ I said, ‘Happy Mum?’ She replied: ‘Yes, that’s it.'”

Andy Walker, Founder of the Time Out Parent Carer Support Group:

“… it was a rare night out for people who normally wouldn’t think about treating themselves to a show, especially without the kids they spend all day and night looking after. I will be honest, I got emotional. To see so many people enjoying a few hours away from their norm, I really can’t describe how I feel.”

These stories show exactly what your support makes possible.

Making a Donation is Easy

• Donate at the Ticket Office in person or by calling 01202 280 000
• Simply specify your donation amount in the form below and click ‘Donate today’ – you’ll be redirected to your basket to make the payment
• Post a cheque made payable to ‘Poole Arts Trust’ to: Development, Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG (please pop your details on it so that we can say thank you!)

Every year, members of the Lighthouse team take on a challenge to kickstart fundraising for the Big Christmas Appeal. This year, on Saturday 31 October, they’ll be taking to the water on paddleboards and in kayaks to circumnavigate Brownsea Island!

To learn more about this year’s Big Christmas Appeal challenge and to donate via the team’s Just Giving page, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/paddlingforthegiftoftheatre

If you are a UK taxpayer, the value of your donation can increase by 25% under the Gift Aid scheme and at no additional cost to you. Please complete a Gift Aid declaration here.