Santa's Sleigh - It's about more than "just" Festive Cheer!

Raised for local causes since 2020

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Causes helped

Supplied donated to FoodBanks

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Each year, we ask members of the public to nominate local Charities & Good Causes that they would like us to consider for support. After compiling all of the nominations, we pick out the most popular & deserving to raise money for on each night of our 6 evenings with Father Christmas.

The causes that we've been honoured to support with Santa's Sleigh are varied. Whether its helping Harri, an inspirational young man towards his fundraising goal of life-changing surgery, supporting the brilliant work of Make Memories Matter with older people or furthering the work of Batten Fighters Forever in their work to help families impacted by Juvenile Batten Disease, one common theme amongst them all is the massive impact that they have on people. If the support of Father Christmas helps to further that, then it makes every single minute spent by our Elves walking of Sleigh Routes worthwhile!

This Year's Good Causes

Avon Valley Community Matters

Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) is a local charity rooted in the Avon Valley benefice, committed to supporting residents of Fordingbridge and its surrounding villages. They provide practical assistance, social activities, and community outreach to help people of all ages feel connected and supported.

Their services are wide-ranging: Superstars playgroups for young children, holiday activity packs, bereavement support, and a monthly Friendship Group aimed at reducing loneliness. AVCM also runs a charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street, offering affordable items and community space.

By supporting AVCM through Santa’s Sleigh this December, you will help sustain vital programmes that bring people together, nurture friendships, and provide much-needed support for families and individuals across the local area.

Green Cottage RDA

Green Corner RDA is a local, volunteer-driven charity offering equine-assisted activities to children and adults with physical and learning disabilities. Based near St Leonards, their aim is to promote independence, confidence and wellbeing through the connection between rider and horse.

Their therapeutic riding sessions help participants build balance, coordination and trust, while also enjoying the joy and companionship of the equestrian environment. Green Corner RDA also supports families, offering inclusive group opportunities and a friendly community setting.

By supporting Green Corner RDA during our Santa’s Sleigh tour through St Leonards & St Ives, you are helping them care for their horses, maintain their facilities and continue providing life-changing experiences to local residents with additional needs.

Helix Day Service

Helix Day Centre is a welcoming hub in Verwood, dedicated to adults with learning disabilities, offering structured support, engaging activities and a social environment where everyone belongs. Their mission is to foster independence, creativity and community connection for those often under-represented.

Each day at Helix brings fresh opportunities: arts and crafts, cookery, music, social outings and life skills workshops. These support members to develop confidence, make friends and take pride in their achievements. The centre is also a place where families gain peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported.

By donating during Santa’s trip around Verwood, you are helping Helix Day Centre continue to deliver meaningful experiences, maintain its welcoming environment, and expand its reach to ensure more adults with learning disabilities can thrive.

New Forest Young Carers

New Forest Young Carers supports children and young people in the New Forest who take on caring responsibilities for family members with illness, disability or additional needs. These young carers are often balancing school, social life and home care, and this charity ensures they have support, recognition and respite.

Their work includes mentoring, social groups, trips, personal development sessions and opportunities to just be children. Through building friendships and taking time out, young carers can experience stress relief, bolstered confidence and connection with peers who understand.

We’re proud to be supporting New Forest Young Carers during our trip around Burley & Bransgore leg of Santa’s Sleigh, and with any donation you can make you enable the charity to extend their outreach, provide more breaks and fun activities, and give these inspirational young people the support they truly deserve.

Ferndown Community Support

Ferndown Community Support is a grassroots charity helping residents of Ferndown and surrounding areas who are experiencing hardship, isolation or needing practical help. Their volunteers provide friendship, food parcels, outreach and vital connections to local support services.

Throughout the year they tackle loneliness, provide practical aid and create opportunities for people to build social networks. Whether delivering essentials or running community events, their goal is to ensure everyone has access to help when times are tough.

By donating during the Tricketts Cross & Ferndown Santa’s Sleigh night, you are helping Ferndown Community Support reach more families, strengthen their community ties and bring hope and kindness to those who need it most.

Helping Older People New Forest

Helping Older People New Forest (HOPe) is a charity dedicated to supporting older residents across the New Forest area with practical help, companionship and connection. Their volunteers provide home visits, friendship services, advice and advocacy to ensure older people feel included and supported.

They aim to reduce isolation and loneliness, assist with everyday challenges, and strengthen the sense of community for people who may be vulnerable or living alone. Through social groups, practical support and meaningful connections, HOPe enhances quality of life for older people.

If you can spare a donation during our final night with Father Christmas in Ringwood, you are helping to bring dignity, companionship and festive joy to older neighbours who have given so much to our community.