Horses, not reindeers, will deliver a sleigh full of money and gifts to the victims and volunteers of the Pinery Bushfire at this year’s Boxing Day Family Races at Morphettville Racecourse on Saturday, 26 December 2015.
In what will become an annual tradition, the South Australian Jockey Club (SAJC) is encouraging race-goers to donate their unwanted Christmas gifts at Morphettville to be passed on to worthy recipients. In 2015, all donated gifts will be given to the official collection campaign for the Pinery Bushfire appeal being managed by St Vincent de Paul.
Brave emergency service volunteers won’t be forgotten either, with the CFS Foundation ‘shaking the tin’ at the racetrack to collect much-needed money to help CFS volunteers and their families who have been impacted by bushfire disasters.
Emergency service volunteers who present their official ID at the gates will also be given free general admission entry.
South Australian Jockey Club CEO, Brenton Wilkinson, said research by Galaxy, commissioned by classifieds website Gumtree, showed that Australians amassed more than $520 million of unwanted gifts at Christmas last year.
“We all watched in horror as so many South Australians lost everything in November’s Pinery Bushfire,” he said.
“The SAJC wanted to do its part to not only help the victims of the bushfire, but also the volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect the community, and in some cases, also suffered incredible loss.
“Christmas is a time for giving. Whether it is toys for children, clothing, books or homewares, before these unwanted presents are put at the back of the cupboard we are asking race-goers to bring them to the Boxing Day Family Races and together we can really make a difference.”
Gates open at 11am and there will be gift collection points around the Morphettville Racecourse.
Mr Wilkinson said the Boxing Day race meet is a perfect opportunity for family and friends to relax after Christmas Day and enjoy a full program of live racing.
Action off the track includes free kids rides, face painters and entertainment.
For more information and to book online, go to www.morphettville.com.au