1700 Santas Smash Fund Raising Record for Oxford Hospice

    BROMLEY, ENGLAND, December 23, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The streets of Oxford City were a mass of Santas at the beginning of December with 1700 fund raisers bracing the cold and taking part in the annual Santas on the Run charity event. The Santas ran, jogged and walked the two mile (3.2km) route in aid of the world's first children's hospice, Helen and Douglas House.

The event is expected to raise at least GBP70,000 - smashing last year's then record breaking amount of GBP57,481 and helping the charity with their important work providing care for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions, and support for their families.

The Oxford event was sponsored for the 5th consecutive year by Foresters, the international financial services organisation, and is an important fundraiser for Helen and Douglas House.

Steve Dilworth, Managing Director Foresters Member Network UK, took part in the event with his family, and said: "The Helen and Douglas House Santas on the Run has become a regular community event in Oxford. Not only is it a great way to help a very worthy charity, but it also makes for a fun family day out. Foresters members and suppliers also get involved in providing tremendous assistance.

"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: "It's fantastic to see so many people dress as Santa and get behind this event and support their local children's and young adults hospice. We are so grateful to have Foresters back year after year, their contribution allows Helen and Douglas House to continue to hold fundraising events like Santas on the Run."

Registrations for the 2015 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 and is part of Foresters, the international financial services organisation.

Internationally, Foresters has over GBP14bn* 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 31st December 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.
DAC Ref No. 2013321 FM/CO 01/15

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