Poole-based Diverse Abilities has been chosen as the charity of the year by Dorchester’s Brewery Square.

The centre initially chose to support the charity at the start of the year but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team has been unable to fundraise and has therefore chosen to continue its support into 2021.

Charlotte Spracklen, centre manager at Brewery Square, commented, “We’re really excited to be working with the team at Diverse Abilities in 2021. We had some great ideas at the start of the year and if all goes to plan, we’re hoping to kick off our fundraising just before Christmas.

“Local charities really need our support at the moment and being able to create fundraising opportunities that will also benefit our local businesses can only help to improve the situation we are all currently facing.”

The charity has provided contactless collection pots to many of the retailers within the centre, allowing shoppers to donate using a QR code or a text code while shopping.

Naomi Richards, fundraising officer at Diverse Abilities, added, “It’s great that Charlotte and the team have decided to extend our partnership for another year, and we are so thankful for their support. Not only do the Brewery Square team get another chance to fundraise, but it also gives us more opportunity to spread our message outside of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation, as many don’t realise our services cover the entire county.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk to find out more about the charity’s work.