KOALA North West have been announced as Cheshire Oaks' 2023 charity partner.

As the centre's official 2023 charity partner, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will help champion Koala North West’s mission to deliver both practical and emotional support for children and their families, and improve their wellbeing, reduce feelings of isolation and allow them to thrive within their local communities.

Throughout the year, Cheshire Oaks will be hosting a number of fundraising initiatives to raise donations for the charity, while also offering unique experiences for the families in Koala North West’s care at the centre – from in-centre family events to volunteer activities within the local community.

Since forming in January 2000, Koala North West has dedicated its resources and attention to support families and children across Wirral, Ellesmere Port, Neston, and Chester with support from Cheshire Community Foundation and other local and national funders.

Motivated by the belief that every parent should have the support they need in order to give their children the best start in life, Koala North West offers a comprehensive range of services. Those in need can access home visiting Family Support Volunteer Mentors, parenting courses and groups, Breastfeeding Peer Support, group support sessions for children with complex needs volunteers offering tailored support to children with additional needs.

To further show their dedication to their new charity partner’s cause, colleagues at the designer outlet will also allocate 2 volunteering days each this year to provide hands-on support to Koala North West and their beneficiaries, directly helping to run a series of fundraising activities hosted at the centre in the coming months.

Bev Morgan, CEO for Koala North West, said: "We are honoured to have been selected as McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks’ Charity Partner for 2023. As we continue to expand our services to support as many families in need as possible across Cheshire and Merseyside, the centre’s dedication to championing our cause will greatly contribute to our ability to reach those families who need our help the most."

Zoe Sheppard, CEO for Cheshire Community Foundation, said: "We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks into 2023, and help the centre identify local causes that could benefit from their support as Charity Partners. Due to our expert knowledge of the local charitable landscape, every year we aim to point the centre team towards the causes that have the most beneficial impact on their local community, which is why in 2023 we decided to champion Koala North West.

"We strongly believe in their mission and look forward to working together with the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet team to raise awareness regarding the incredible services they provide. We hope that through our partnership, we can also inspire any families that may be facing hardships to reach out for support."

Kenny Murray, General Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks adds: "When Cheshire Community Foundation approached us to discuss our shortlisted 2023 Charity Partner of the Year contenders, Koala North West stood out immediately as a pillar of our local community. Through tailored support aimed at families and children, they are stepping in to help eliminate the feelings of alienation that may appear when struggling with family life.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to identify the small charities and grassroots organisations making the biggest impact in the heart of our local community, we felt passionately that Koala NW was a worthy cause to get behind. We hope that our partnership with both Cheshire Community Foundation and Koala North West will drive both awareness and much-needed donations to help the team continue their vital work."