Officials at Sandown Park Racecourse have paid tribute to the generosity of racegoers after being “absolutely overwhelmed” by the response to a re-gifting initiative on Unibet Tolworth Hurdle Day on Saturday (January 8th).
Those attending the fixture were encouraged to bring along and donate any unwanted, duplicate or surplus gifts received over the Christmas period. Working together with Christ Church, one of two churches in the Parish of Esher alongside St George’s in West End, the gifts donated by racegoers will now be distributed to disadvantaged members of the local community.
Sarah Drabwell, General Manager of Sandown Park Racecourse, said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed with the response from our racegoers to the re-gifting appeal on Saturday.
“So many people donated and we received a wide variety of items that I’m sure will be greatly appreciated by people within the local community. We had asked for unwanted, surplus and duplicate gifts, but one racegoer brought in a large bag of wrapped presents and goodie bags, which was so incredibly thoughtful and generous.
“We would like to thank everyone who supported the initiative, as well as Christ Church, who will distribute each item to a good cause.”
Sandown Park is encouraging local people who were unable to attend Saturday’s fixture to continue to donate surplus gifts by dropping them off at the racecourse main entrance this week. The appeal ends on Friday 14th January.
