With just weeks to go until Christmas, runners and walkers are needed to join forces to Race Santa ‘around the world’ and raise money for Barnardo’s.
It does not matter how far you can run or walk. All that matters is you have fun while fundraising during the festive season – before Father Christmas delivers his presents on December 24th.
Each participant just needs to complete 24 miles or more in 24 days to help the UK’s leading children’s charity reach its target.
You can pound the pavements or plod through the parks in any way you like with every mile going towards the collective target distance of 24,901 miles – the circumference of the globe.
To make up for the lack of magic reindeer and a flying sleigh, Barnardo’s walkers, joggers and runners will have a head start, with ‘Race Santa’ kicking off on December 1.
So why not get a mini-team together of friends, family and even work colleagues to help beat the bearded-wonder.
Everyone who takes on the Race Santa challenge will be encouraged to ask for people to sponsor them.
They will also be encouraged to share pictures and updates with their supporters along the way. Participants can use the hashtag of #RaceSanta to share them with the rest of the Race Santa team.
And every penny raised will go towards Barnardo’s Kidsmas appeal, which will help the charity raise vital funds to help vulnerable children feel happy and safe this Christmas time – and can access the support they need all year round.
Barnardo’s interim co-CEO Michelle Lee-Izu said: “For lots of children, Christmas is a time for family, festivities and fun. But for many of the vulnerable children Barnardo’s supports it often comes with serious challenges.
“This year, with, poverty, bereavement, mental health issues, loneliness and isolation having risen in the wake of the Covid pandemic, even more children will be deprived of the chance to enjoy the festive season.
“That’s why this year’s Kidsmas campaign is so important. By taking part in Race Santa, lacing up your trainers or donning your walking shoes and heading out for a mile each day - or more if you feel up to it - you will help to make this Christmas a more magical time for vulnerable children and help Barnardo’s to support them all year round.
“Now, more than ever, we need the support of our partners and the generosity of the British public to raise funds to reach the children who need us most.”
The Kidsmas campaign, which is now in its third year, aims to help vulnerable children rediscover the magic of Christmas this festive season.
It can be a wonderfully magical time for children – whether it’s writing to Santa, putting out carrots for flying reindeer or wrapping up warm for a snowball fight with friends.
But while many of us look forward to festivities and quality time with our families, too many children and young people feel left out.
Many children are struggling with poverty, mental health issues or have family circumstances that mean it’s difficult for them to feel part of this magical time of year.
Barnardo’s is asking people across the country to come together with families, friends and communities to raise vital funds to help vulnerable children feel part of a happy, safe and caring Christmas – and can access support all year round.