Racegoers attending Sandown Park this Saturday (January 8th) for its Unibet Tolworth Hurdle Day fixture are being encouraged to bring in and donate any unwanted, duplicate or surplus gifts received for Christmas as part of a re-gifting initiative.
Working together with Christ Church, one of two churches in the Parish of Esher alongside St George’s in West End, the team at the track will be collecting the gifts before distributing them to disadvantaged members of the local community.
The appeal is the first of its kind held by the racecourse, which is staging one of its most popular Jumps fixtures on the day with Grade One racing and a number of horses lining up which are expected to go on to run at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Although all gifts are welcomed, organisers say that household utensils such as kitchen goods and non-perishable food stuff are preferred.
Sarah Drabwell, General Manager of Sandown Park Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Christ Church in Esher on this wonderful initiative, something we hope will provide a little bit of joy for anyone who may be struggling.
“We are encouraging anyone coming to Sandown Park this Saturday to bring in and donate any unwanted, duplicate or surplus gifts they have received this Christmas, which will then be re-gifted to good causes in the community.
“Sandown Park has been an integral part of the local community since its opening in 1875 and it’s really important to us that we continue that tradition. I’m personally very proud of the heritage of the racecourse and the role it’s always played locally and the team here are committed to ensuring that everyone in the area shares that pride.
“As well as this initiative off the track on Saturday, the racing is shaping up to be top class too and a great atmosphere is expected – we’re really looking forward to kicking off our 2022 fixture list with Unibet Tolworth Hurdle Day.”
Tickets for Saturday are available on the Sandown Park website where you can also find details of the current COVID-19 protocols in place. Tickets will also be available on the gate on the day, card purchases only.
