A Santa vs Rudolph sporting challenge and turning a shoebox into something special are two events that Great Western Hospital's Brighter Futures charity hopes will encourage giving this Christmas season.
Following the success of the previous Santa v Rudolph Runs, Brighter Futures has again joined forces with the Swindon Phoenix Rotary Club and their chosen charity, Wiltshire Air Ambulance to bring it back.
The run will take place on December 4 where people dressed either as Santa Clause or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will run, walk or jog their way around a 3k or 5k route around Lydiard Park.
The race starts at 11am with registration from 8.30am.
To sign up click here. Santa hats and Reindeer antlers are included in the entry fee and everyone gets a festive medal for completing the race. Entries close on 1st December at midnight.
A spokesperson for Brighter Futures explained what the money raised by the run would do.
They said: "All profits raised will again be donated to Brighter Futures and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. We are aware of the effects of the cost of living crisis and so anything you can give us will make a huge difference in improving the hospital environment for both staff and patients at Great Western Hospital and saving lives within Wiltshire and beyond."
Christmas Activity boxes
As we as the festive race, Brighter Futures is also encouraging donations of a Christmas Activity box which will be given to patients being looked after by the GWH Foundation Trust.
The aim is to encourage patients to keep their brains active whilst in the hospital environment.
The spokesperson explained: "Boxes can include a Christmas card, playing cards, dominoes or a small game, pen, paper and colouring pencils, puzzle books, paint sets, brushes and a mini canvas board.
"Other items can include a book or magazine, craft kits without sharp items and a little sweet treat is also welcome.
"We are unable to accept sharp objects such as knitting needles or scissors, food and alcohol items, and home items like candles and socks."
Brighter Futures has asked for the boxes to be made unisex and aimed at adults. It has also asked for the boxes to not be sealed when dropped off.
Boxes can be taken to the Voluntary Services Hub in the Brunel Treatment Centre (based on the ground floor) from Monday, December 5 to Friday, December 16.
For more information, please email gwh.fundraising@nhs.net.
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