Festive fundraiser aims to reach a cool £100,000 for our hospital!
This festive season, an ice hockey tournament between Santas’ and elves, will aim to top £100,000 of fundraising for Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
On Friday 27th December at Ice Sheffield, the annual Christmas Classic tournament will get underway. Now in its sixth year, this year’s event aims to reach the landmark target to build a new Emergency Department.
All 46 players, ranging from 4 to 45 years old, are all battling to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Charity’s National Elf Service, which encourages people to ‘dress up and get elfy’ this Christmas.
Organiser Matthew Newton, 37, from Hoyland in Barnsley said: “Sheffield Children’s Hospital means so much to me. When I was a few weeks old, I was diagnosed with plyronic stenosis, a serious and rare condition that blocks food from entering the small intestine and they looked after me brilliantly.”
“My eldest son James was also rushed in following complications from appendicitis, and I saw from a parent’s perspective how great the care was. It’s fantastic knowing that we as a group have raised so much, because The Children’s Hospital Charity is a fantastic local cause which does so much for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. We’ve already raised over £5,000 for this year which is fantastic.”
Matt and fellow organizer Craig Smith came up with the idea for a festive game while playing in a charity match for The Children’s Hospital Charity. Players have also dressed up as festive puddings, Christmas crackers, snowmen and reindeers in previous years, with many having personal connections to Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
Matt continued: “As well as raising such a great amount, the highlight for me is seeing the player’s faces and enjoyment throughout. My youngest Daniel took part last year and he loved every minute of it, as does everyone else. We’d love to have another sell-out year.”
Tickets on the door are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for children. To sign up for National Elf Service this December and receive your free fundraising pack, visit www.tchc.org.uk