Festive fun sees elves raise cash for children's charity

Local schools, businesses and community groups took part in the annual festive fundraiser on Friday (December 9), for children’s charity Rockinghorse, by wearing red and green and donating £1 towards the charity’s 50th year appeal; Sussex Giving for Sussex Children. The event has so far raised £10,000 with money still being donated.

Best-known as the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton, Rockinghorse recently launched its plans for its Golden Jubilee anniversary, with the aim of raising £500,000 worth of funding in 2017 to be split between 10 children’s centres and paediatric services in Sussex.

The charity’s Dress Yourself as an Elf event was supported by Austin Rees, the specialist residential property management and lettings company based in Hove. Staff from the company donated Christmas presents and joined members of the Rockinghorse team and the Alex’s Play Team to deliver them to young patients on the wards.

Andrew Austin, director of Austin Rees, said: “We have supported Rockinghorse’s Dress Yourself as an Elf event since its launch, and as a firm we are proud that we have had the opportunity to make a difference. Our elves are busy the night before wrapping the hundreds of toys that have been so kindly donated by staff, clients and contractors. When we visit the Alex, our elves really enjoy delivering presents that bring a smile to so many of the children.”

Analiese Doctrove, head of fundraising at Rockinghorse, said: “It has been wonderful to receive so much support for our Dress Yourself as an Elf Christmas fundraiser again this year. We are so grateful for the generosity shown by many of our schools and corporate partners from across Sussex. Their fundraising has helped us provide a great start to our 50th year appeal.”