A SHOPPING centre is looking for its next charity partner.

The Mall at Blackburn has opened applications for non-for-profit charities to become their charity partner of the year for 2018.

The charity will become the Mall’s official partner, and the two will work together to raise awareness and funds for the chosen cause.

The centre’s current charity partner, Cash for Kids, is encouraging people to apply following their hugely successful 12-month partnership with the shopping centre throughout 2017.

“The partnership with The Mall has been incredible” explained Nikki Thompson, Charity Manager at Cash for Kids. “We have really enjoyed working with everyone at The Mall Blackburn and their support has been invaluable.

“All the staff have been lovely and they always take their time to fully understand not only what the charity does, but also to do nice things for the children.”

During one of the events that took place in 2017, The Mall managed to help Cash for Kids in their ‘Mission Christmas Appeal’, an event that gathered over £777,000 worth of gift donations.

The charity, which is based across 22 areas in the UK, supports children between the ages of 0-18 who are disabled, disadvantaged or suffering from abuse or neglect.

Loraine Jones, General Manager at The Mall Blackburn said: “Our work within the community is vitally important to us here at The Mall and we love working with new, inspirational charities each year.

“There are so many deserving charities across Lancashire and it is always such a tough decision to select just one.

“It has been wonderful to work with everyone at Cash for Kids and I am delighted we have been able to help them support children in Lancashire.”

Lancashire Mind, Nightsafe and Blackburn Youth Zone are some of the other charities to have partnered with the mall of the years.

“I would urge any local charity looking for a boost to apply to be the charity of the year for 2018,” added Ms Thompson.

Charities that want to be considered should complete the online application and outline how they would make the most of the partnership before the deadline on the February 28.