ONE Lambton Heights family has suited up for what is possibly the jolliest event of the year.
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Claire Allen, her sons Jonathan and Benjamin, her partner Jeff Smith and his son Patrick, will be among more than 2000 people expected to line Newcastle foreshore for the 2015 Variety Santa Fun Run.
The fun run is popular in Newcastle; each year the foreshore is awash with a sea of red and white as hundreds of people dressed in Santa suits tackle a three-kilometre or 5km course.
The annual event is coordinated by and raises money for Variety – The Children’s Charity.
Nationally, the charity provides financial and practical support for children who are sick, disadvantaged, or have special needs.
In 2014, Variety granted more than $9.7 million through its programs.
The fun run is an entertaining way to raise money for the charity.
Ms Allen and her sons participated last year with a group of friends.
She said they initially entered for a bit of fun, but took something far greater away from the experience.
“I was looking for ways to volunteer and this came up as a fun volunteering opportunity,” Ms Allen said.
“Now we’re making it an annual tradition to help educate the boys about giving back, and that [Christmas] is not just about getting.”
This year, the whole family is on board for the event on December 6, their youngest participant being Mr Smith’s four-year-old son Patrick, from Coffs Harbour.
Together, the Allens and Smiths have raised more than $400 – double last year’s amount.
They have even received international donations from Mr Smith’s family in the UK.
The team hopes to crack $500.
Jonathan, 10, and Benjamin, 8, have been fundraising at their school, New Lambton South Public School, while Ms Allen and Mr Smith have taken to social media to rally donations from family and friends.
To help them reach their goal, go to everydayhero.com.au and search their team name – ‘Santas Little Helpers 2015’ – and click on the link with Claire Allen’s name.
- 2015 Variety Santa Fun Run Newcastle, Sunday, December 6 at Harbour Square, Honeysuckle. Warm-up at 9.30am for 10am start. Online registrations close 2pm Friday, December 4. Registration costs $30 for adults, $10 for children or $60 for a family of two adults and two children. Group discounts available. Santa suit provided free with every entry. Go to varietysantafunrun.com.au.