Philanthropy fountain at McArthurGlen
Published: 18 March, 2011
A bespoke water sculpture, commissioned as a piece of public art for McArthurGlen’s Livingston Designer Outlet Centre in 2000, has turned into a ‘philanthropy fountain’, raising over £12,000 for charity over the past two years.
Created by Japanese artist Susumu Shingu, the 28 metre high fountain features cascading rain and floating clouds and was designed to be an eye-pleasing addition to the centre. However, Livingston Designer Outlet shoppers and Scottish locals began the tradition of using the fountain as a wishing well, dropping money into the water, which the centre then donates to charity.
Karen Stewart, centre manager at McArthurGlen Livingston, said: “We’ve dubbed the water sculpture as the philanthropy fountain ever since it was installed - from day one shoppers started to drop coins in. It has become such a well-known sculpture within the community - locals are always stopping by to make their contribution. The most recent collection of £2,400 has bought three Infant Respiration Monitors for the Children’s Ward in St John’s Hospital, with many other charities benefiting from the funds over the years as well.”
Over the past two years, the proceeds have helped charity Friends of St John’s Hospital, which contributes to the development of health care services by raising funds and asking staff/patients for wish lists. To date the monies raised have helped to create a public garden at the hospital, televisions and DVD players for outpatient departments and toiletry bags as well as the three Infant Respiration Monitors, amongst other valued additions to the hospital.
