Kids' Village gets major boost from McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands for 2025

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands has selected Kids’ Village as its 2025 Charity Partner, building on the success of its 2024 fundraising campaign for local charities. 

Kids’ Village is the UK’s first holiday village dedicated to providing magical escapes for children with critical illnesses and their families. This exciting partnership marks a significant milestone as McArthurGlen's first dual-centre collaboration, joining forces with McArthurGlen East Midlands to make an even greater impact across the region. 

Kids’ Village offers a unique and vital service, creating a haven where children and families can escape the pressures of illness and create cherished memories. Founded by the Fletcher family after their own experience with childhood cancer, Kids’ Village understands the profound impact a relaxing and supportive environment can have on families facing these challenges. 

Amongst investors in the centre is the Richardson family business, whose international investment business is still headquartered in the West Midlands, demonstrating their commitment to supporting local initiatives like Kids' Village. Currently fundraising to build the village, they envision a space in nature where families can rest, have fun, and be looked after, offering free breaks to those who have navigated exhausting days in hospital. 

"We are incredibly proud to partner with Kids’ Village in 2025," said David Jackson, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands. "Their work is truly inspiring, supporting children and families in need. As McArthurGlen's first dual-centre charity partnership, this marks an exciting milestone for us. We are thrilled to be able to collaborate with both our East and West Midlands centres and our communities to make a real impact alongside Kids’ Village, not just locally, but across the region."  

Katrina Cooke, CEO of Kids’ Village, said: “We are thrilled to have been selected as the 2025 charity partner for McArthurGlen at their East Midlands and West Midlands designer outlets. Kids' Village is a unique holiday village being built exclusively for critically ill children and their families to enjoy a magical break, and we are conveniently located between both centres. A big thank you to the McArthurGlen for their support in fundraising for our capital build project, and in spreading awareness about our special project”  

Following a successful 2024 fundraising campaign, which saw over £115,000 raised for charities including Lichfield Festival and Newlife, McArthurGlen West Midlands is eager to continue its commitment to supporting the community. The centre has been a long-term supporter of the local community through various activations with annual sponsorships and fundraising through seasonal events such as Santa’s Grotto and Breakfast with Santa. 

What better way to kick off this inspiring partnership than with a cycling challenge? Since January 20 and up to March 2, the team at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands will be cycling the equivalent of the distance from Staffordshire to Florida, a staggering 4,300 miles between them! All to raise vital funds for Kids’ Village.   

Want to get involved and pedal for a purpose? Visit Guest Services to participate in the static bike ride challenge or donate at designated points in the centre and online. Every penny helps Kids’ Village create unforgettable moments.