Santa logs on to Xmas page in lead-up to Dash

SANTA paid a visit to Leisure and Culture Dundee for the launch of the online fundraising page for the city’s official Santa Dash.

The event on November 26 — the first of its kind in the city — is being backed by the Tele and will raise cash for The Archie Foundation, the official charity of Tayside Children’s Hospital.

The 2km “dash” will start and finish at City Square, with the route to include Murraygate, Meadowside and Reform Street. Organisers said they’re hoping to get 1,000-2,000 Santas running.

Now, people can support the cause by making donations on the Virgin Money Giving website.

Those who wish to make a donation should visit the site and search for Leisure and Culture Dundee Santa Dash.

A Facebook page — Dundee Santa Dash — has also been set up to drum up even more support.

Garry Smith, events and promotions officer at Leisure and Culture, said: “Its getting great interest on Facebook. It’s building up momentum. The Dundee public is really generous.

“Its going to look visually spectacular to see all the Santas running through the city centre.

“We are always encouraging people to sign up. We want as many as we possibly can.”

Local kids have been kicking up support for the event, with children on a holiday football camp at the GA arena — organised by Leisure and Culture — getting the chance to try on some of the suits ahead of the dash.

Cassie Thomson, director of fundraising for The ARCHIE Foundation, said: “The foundation is hugely excited to be in partnership with Leisure and Culture for Dundee’s first Santa Dash. “As the online fundraising launches, we want to encourage as many people as possible to sign up for this family-friendly, fun, festive event. By taking part or donating you will be making a big difference to children in Tayside. “We’re so grateful for your support.” The dash is open to everyone from adults down to under-fives and it can be done once — or twice — if participants wish to complete the full 4km race. Cassie Thomson

Santa paid a visit to Leisure and Culture Dundee where he checked out the fundraising page.