As the festive season approaches, schools, nurseries and youth groups across the region can help Rudolph power Santa’s sleigh in one of the most magical events on the local fundraising calendar: St Catherine’s Hospice’s Reindeer Run.
The annual initiative brings together hundreds of children from across the community to don reindeer antlers, get active and raise money for a cause that touches many local families. Participants can host their own run, walk or festive activity at a time and place that suits them – so there’s an abundance of ways to get involved.
Tradition with impact
Rather than travelling to a central venue, participating organisations create their own Reindeer Run experience. Whether that means laps of a playground, a route around a sports field or a festive obstacle course, the focus is on having fun while supporting hospice care in the local area.
The fundraising event is open to a wide variety of groups, including nurseries, childminders, primary schools, SEN schools and specialist settings, youth organisations, Rainbows, Brownies, Cubs, Scouts, sports clubs, dance schools, after-school clubs and home education groups.
More than just a fundraiser
Shelley Primary School has supported the initiative for several years, combining fundraising with classroom learning about the hospice’s work.
Pull quote: ‘We love to take part in such a fun event that we know is raising money to support a fantastic, local cause’ (Claire Howell, School Administrator, Shelley Primary School)
Claire Howell, School Administrator, said: “We love taking part in the Reindeer Run for St Catherine’s. We have taken part for a few years now and this year Cat from St Catherine’s came in for an assembly to talk about the great work that they do. Signing up is easy. The children love doing the run, especially so close to Christmas. It gives us a chance to get outside and have some fun. They love the antlers and certificate for each child that is provided and have a great time running around our playground with Santa ringing his bell and encouraging them. We love to take part in such a fun event that we know is raising money to support a fantastic, local cause.”
Bringing communities together
Across the area, different groups have found their own ways to embrace the challenge. For childminders in Maidenbower, Forgewood and Pound Hill, the event brought together families and carers in support of an organisation that many people feel a personal connection with.
Organiser Tori Handman said: “We’re all delighted that we were able to raise these funds for St Catherine’s. So many of us have had friends and family come through your doors.”
That connection to local hospice care is often what motivates people to take part year after year. While the Reindeer Run is a festive celebration, it also serves as a reminder of the important role that charitable donations play in helping local healthcare services continue their work.
Learning through giving
For younger children, the event can also create valuable conversations about kindness, helping others and community support.
At Buttercup Barn Nursery, staff found that an educational visit ahead of the event helped children engage with the cause behind the fundraising.
Pull quote: ‘The children absolutely loved taking part and we seem to have smashed last year’s donations, which we are so proud of’ (Alicia Philip, Deputy Manager, Buttercup Barn Nursery)
Deputy Manager Alicia Philip said: “I would like to say a massive thank you for the talk that was given to our preschool room. They have taken away so much information from it and were still talking about it for days afterward. The children absolutely loved taking part and we seem to have smashed last year’s donations, which we are so proud of.’’
Getting involved this Christmas
With flexible participation options and support available from the hospice fundraising team, organisers hope even more groups will join the Reindeer Run this year. Every participant taking part receives a pair of reindeer antlers, just like Rudolph’s, and a special participation certificate. You’ll also receive a very special video message from the North Pole to help boost motivation ever further.
