Family oat miller Mornflake is supporting St Luke's Hospice in Winsford as it calls on schools to sign up for its Rudolph Run Christmas fundraising campaign.
For a second year, Mornflake based in Crewe, will provide hearty porridge breakfasts to more than 3000 Cheshire school children taking part, as well as a donation towards much-needed hospice services.
Already more than 17 schools across the county have pledged to participate in the Rudolph 2020 campaign which promotes health and fitness, inviting pupils to don red noses and reindeer antlers to run round school playgrounds in their ‘class bubbles' sponsored by friends and families.
Festive postcards have been sent to schools with the message: ‘We've all had to be apart, now let's do something together' by joining in the fun to raise vital funds during November and December.
St Luke's, which costs £8,000 a day to run, has lost income from milestone events such as the Midnight Walk, Bubble Rush and Woof Mudder this year as well as a wide range of community-based events such as sponsored walks, bingo nights and coffee mornings.
Mornflake, a household name for its expertly crafted porridge, granola and muesli range, is one of the oldest companies in the country dating back to 1675.
Managing Director John Lea said: "We are delighted to offer our support to this wonderful campaign which promotes health, fitness and community spirit, whilst raising money for such an important cause. St Luke's Hospice relies so heavily on the generosity of our community but, like so many other charities, the pandemic has hit hard. As a long-standing Cheshire company, we continue to be touched by the support it offers local people and endeavour to help as much as we can.
"The campaign also carries another important message - that Christmas is about giving so we encourage as many schools as possible to get behind the Rudolph Run 2020."
Fundraising and donations amounts to 85% of the money needed to keep the hospice going. The Rudolph campaign has raised some £40,000 in previous years as well as a smile among children who love taking part.
More than 6,000 children across 40 schools took part last year. Primary schools signed up so far include St Anne's and Highfields in Nantwich and St Michael's and Edleston in Crewe, as well as schools in Greenbank, Hartford, Lostock Gralam, Wharton in Winsford, and Russett in Weaverham.
St. Luke's Community Partnerships Manager, Angela Slack, said: "We are absolutely delighted that schools are supporting our Rudolph Run again this year, with children able to join in the fun in their class or year group bubbles. It's such great event which encourages children to get out in the fresh air, get fit and have lots of festive fun - while at the same time raising vital funds for the hospice.
"A huge thank you to Mornflake, which is kindly sponsoring the Rudolph Run for the second year running. This year more than ever, we are so grateful to Mornflake and our wonderful school community for their continued support."
To get into the festive spirit, every adult and child taking part receives reindeer antlers, red noses and porridge sachets. And for teachers, there's a free Santa suit!
To host a Rudolph Run contact the St. Luke's Community Team on 01606 555697 or community@slhospice.co.uk for an information pack.
For more information on Mornflake Oats and hearty winter warming recipes go to www.mornflake.com