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14 December 2018

Chelmsford’s Secret Santa benefits the homeless this Christmas

Chelmsford City Racecourse’s unique take on Secret Santa will this year benefit a homeless shelter in Braintree, run by the Salvation Army.

Chelmsford team members buy gifts for charity, rather than for each other every year. New Direction in Braintree has space for 14 residents, aged 18 and over.

Fraser Garrity, General Manager of Chelmsford City Racecourse said:

“Businesses are a key part of the local community and it’s so important that we continually engage with all our neighbours. The team here have been very keen to help out with a Secret Santa for the residents at the New Direction accommodation this year, and we hope they really enjoy their Christmas gifts.”

Gift suggestions are practical and useful items, including hats and scarves, gloves and socks, chocolate and biscuits, food that doesn’t need heating and toiletries.

Alternatively, money can be donated to pool together for larger items, particularly for sleeping bags which are in demand at colder times of year.

The Chelmsford team buy gifts, wrap them and write a Christmas message for the recipients, attaching an extra piece of paper to the tag describing the gift contents. When gifts are delivered to the shelter the staff can match gifts to their recipients, removing the contents note prior to handing gifts out on Christmas morning.

Donated gifts so far, ready and waiting for delivery to New Direction

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