Kindness campaign earns Mill Gate silver at global awards

Tuesday, 8 July 2025 20:23

By David Murphy

Graham Bentley and Angela Tierney with their CSR Silver Award at Mill Gate

Mill Gate Shopping Centre in Bury has been recognised for spreading positivity in the town, winning a silver award at a major international ceremony.

Mill Gate Shopping Centre has picked up a silver award at the International CSR Excellence Awards for its ‘Pass the Positivity’ campaign.

The awards ceremony took place at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where the Bury based shopping centre was praised for putting kindness and community at the heart of its work.

The campaign encouraged people across the town to share messages of support and take part in small acts of generosity. Local shoppers and community groups joined in, helping to lift spirits and spread a sense of togetherness.

Angela Tierney, the Centre Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that our campaign has been recognised like this.

“‘Pass the Positivity’ was all about celebrating what makes Bury special, the resilience of our communities and the kindness of the people who live and work here.”

She added that receiving the award at such a well-known venue made it “a real moment for the town” and showed that “small acts of kindness can make a big difference”.

The campaign also had a real impact. Fundraising at the centre rose by 56%, the highest it’s ever been, with several local charities seeing more donations and support as a result.

The CSR Excellence Awards are given to organisations that show strong social responsibility, including work in areas like inclusion, community support and ethical leadership.

Mill Gate was named alongside other top organisations from across the UK and beyond for helping to bring about positive change.

The centre continues to support charities such as the British Heart Foundation, PDSA and The A World UK, which works with people and families affected by autism.

Mill Gate remains a popular part of town life, offering a mix of shops, food outlets and regular events to bring people together.