One of the most memorable moments of the festive period in Newry has become its annual Santa Run which sees the city centre awash in a sea of red and white as hundreds of Santas do their bit to raise money for charity. Now in its 12th year more than 200 businesses from the Greater Newry area are expected to nominate a Santa to take part in this year’s run on December 1. Truly a sight to be seen, the Santa Run isn’t a race and is strictly just for fun. At less than a mile long and with no prizes for first place anyone can enter and get into the spirit of the event. Organisers are hopeful that the Santa Run will contribute more than £15,000 top the annual Newry Business Christmas Charity Lunch which is recognized as one of the island of Ireland’s premier charity events. Held in the Canal Court Hotel the lunch together with the Santa Run has raised almost £753,000 in cash and toys since the year 2000. Businesses may choose to invite guests, spouses or friends to this flagship event, which showcases the true spirit of Christmas. Each year the lunch attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped new toy. These gifts form a ‘toy mountain’ in the foyer of the Canal Court to be donated to the local St Vincent de Paul society, the Salvation Army and the children’s ward at Daisy Hill Hospital. Other organizations set to benefit from the two events include Newry Gateway Club, Rathore School, Southern Area Hospice, Friends of Children, the Polish Supplementary School, The Drake Musinc Project and Newry’s Riding for the Disabled group. Limited spaces are available for the lunch and businesses are advised to book early. To find out more about the Santa Run and Business Lunch or to book your place for either or both events contact Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade; Tel: 3025 0303 or email orla@newry.com
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