1700 Running Santas Raise Record Breaking Amounts for Children's Hospice

    BROMLEY, ENGLAND, February 23, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Newly released figures show that a record breaking GBP57,481 was raised in the Oxford Santas on the Run event in December last year - helping Helen and Douglas House (the world's first children's hospice which opened in 1982) with their important work providing care for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions, and support for their families.

Santas on the Run - where volunteers dressed as Santa run, walk or jog two miles through Oxford City - is now in its seventh year. In 2013 there were more participants than ever, with Oxford Council allowing an extra 200 Santas to take part in the race - upping the number of participants from 1500 to 1700 - and enabling more funds to be raised.

The Oxford event was sponsored for the 4th consecutive year by Foresters, the international financial services organisation, and is an important fundraiser for Helen and Douglas House.

Steve Dilworth, MD, Member Network UK from Foresters, who also regularly takes part in the event with his family, said: "The Helen and Douglas House Santas on the Run is a great event to have been able to be a part of for the past four years and with more Santas hitting the streets than ever, 2013 was no exception.

"It was brilliant to see so many families out to support such a great cause within their local community. Helen and Douglas House make a huge difference to the children and families it supports, and Foresters are proud to be able to sponsor this event and contribute towards the fantastic amounts raised for the hospice."

Poppy Hanbury, Senior Community and Events Fundraiser for Helen and Douglas House added: "We are thrilled to have hit our highest amount raised from the Santas on the Run in 2013. It was wonderful to see so many people braving a cold winter's morning to raise money for the charity and help support over 300 families in our catchments area."

Registrations for the 2014 Santas on the Run event open in October - the date is yet to be confirmed, but it will be the first or second weekend in December. For more information about Santas on the Run, call 01865 799150 or email [email protected]. To find out more about Helen & Douglas House Hospice, please visit: http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk

ABOUT FORESTERS:
At Foresters we believe in enriching the lives of our members, their families and the communities they live in. We're member-based, family-focused, and community spirited.

Our products benefit both your family and your community. We champion the well-being of families through quality financial products, unique member benefits and inspiring community activities.

We share our financial strength with over one million members across the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. Throughout our 140-year history, our purpose has been to enrich the lives of members, their families and communities. The priorities remain today and will guide our future.

As an example, our work with Cash for Kids in their 2013 Mission Christmas Appeal helped over 278,000 children to have a better Christmas. The whole campaign raised GBP8m and involved 1,463 Foresters volunteers.

Forester Life is responsible for funds under management of over GBP2.9bn* and is part of Foresters, the international financial services organisation.

Internationally, Foresters has over GBP13bn* funds under management and has been assigned an 'A' excellent rating by A.M. Best.**

Safeguarding our members' interests is at the heart of what we do. Being financially strong and responsive, with sound governance and continuing professional service have always helped us to protect our members' benefits.

*As at 30th September 2013

**An 'A' excellent rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by A.M. Best Company. In assigning Foresters rating A.M. Best stated that Foresters outlook rating is 'stable', which means it is unlikely to change in the near future, assuming Foresters financial strength is maintained and operations grow. A.M. Best assigns rating from A++ to F, A++ being superior and A and A- being excellent ratings. This rating was assigned on 3rd July 2013. Our International Head Office is located at 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9.

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