Spotlight on the runners-up in the RCA Showcase award category for Community & CSR: Ascot Racecourse Supports

Around 250 charities benefit from Ascot Racecourse Supports
In addition to Ascot’s existing work for charity, this year they have agreed a partnership with the Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) to ensure that local charities benefit from their donations and community projects, with a view to develop an Ascot Foundation longer term. Their focus has been on supporting young people and mental health issues in line with the BCF’s ‘Vital Signs Report’ findings. This means engaging with local residents, school children, community and care groups so that they can enjoy the sport of racing and Ascot as a venue. Another key initiative has seen Ascot promoting the work of local charities via sponsorship and events, acting as a launchpad for local talent and supporting local initiatives. Part of this has been through building a designated community hub on Ascot’s website, and allowing for staff to take an extra day off from their work at Ascot in order to participate in volunteer activities.

Activities in addition to donations
Ascot’s upcoming Prince’s Countryside Fund raceday has raised over £380,000 in the past twelve months and looks set to repeat this huge success for this weekend’s fixture. Thames Hospice benefitted from a £7,000 donation from the Spring Garden Show, with Ascot also volunteering at the Hospice as part of the Racing Together Community Day.
Pupils from eight schools submitted over 500 pieces of artwork or the ‘Celebration of Royal Ascot’ competition. Contestants were judged by a panel including Ryan Moore and winners were awarded £1,000 for their school and were hosted at Ascot’s May raceday for the unveiling of their artwork.
Charlotte Perry (pictured top of page), the 14-year-old winner of the Brighter Berkshire Secondary School Song Writing Competition which was themed around mental health, performed her song at the July raceday, achieving Ascot’s aims of promoting local talent. Ascot continued sponsorship of Royal Ascot Cricket Club whose ground is within the racecourse. They hosted a T20 Community Cricket Day with over 70 attendees & press attending.

Military and Emergency Services programme rolled out year-round
Military support in 2018 saw 2,374 tickets sold via the 2-for-1 Tickets for Troops offer. Funds raised via the sales of Pimms and concessionaire contributions have raised over £18,000 for the Tri-Forces charities. Ascot have since expanded the Tickets for Troops 2-for-1 offer to include local emergency services professionals for all Ascot racedays.

Racing’s charities benefit too

Over £36,000 was raised for the Injured Jockeys Fund, via Ascot’s ambassador programme. Racing Welfare was also supported by ‘charity bins’ placed around the racecourse, designed specifically for racegoers to place their Bet With Ascot betting slips into. The bin with the most betting slips inside won the donation of £1,000 (see photo below).

Racing Welfare CEO Dawn Goodfellow pictured receiving the prize with Ascot’s Nick Smith

Ascot’s 2017 Charitable and Community Work