York Racecourse has announced a new initiative for 2023 partnering with three local charities:

• I am Reusable – a community foodbank that serves over 100 people a day
• York in Recovery – providing people in recovery from addiction with a supportive community
• Clifton Green Primary School – providing outdoor learning for children, most of which don’t have regular access to outdoor spaces outside of school

As part of the partnership each charity will receive a £1000 donation from York Racecourse in addition to a package of benefits, including a raceday bucket collection, tickets to the races to use in raffles, and the opportunity to host a fundraising event at a discounted rate at the racecourse.  Furthermore, the charity will have access to expertise within the racecourse team to support them across areas of their organisation, from anything on PR, digital and social media advice to health and safety procedures.

Equine ambassador to York Racecourse, Remy (who was a successful racehorse under his full name of Goldream) will also play an important part of the initiative providing a ‘meet and greet’ as the charities so choose. Experience shows these visits enable people to experience the physical and mental benefits of spending time with a thoroughbred. 

Amy Swales who is leading the project for York Racecourse said: 

“We are delighted to support three very worthwhile and different York based causes through our inaugural local charitable partnership initiative.

“In addition to supporting these charities financially we wanted to help make a difference on a practical level.  We have a great team of people, all of whom are experts in their field, meaning the charities will be able to access locally based help  for their organizations.

This adds to our existing charitable involvements with Macmillan Cancer Support, Racing Welfare, New Beginnings and the good causes, who benefit across the wider county, from the Ebor Community Sweepstake in August. ”

John McGall from I am reusable, said:

“We are still in shock to be chosen, but we can’t wait to work with York Racecourse over the coming year. As a small organisation at the heart of our community this relationship will make a big difference to us”.

George Brichieri of Clifton Green Primary, said:

“We are delighted about the support we are receiving from York Racecourse towards the renovation of our Early Years Outdoor Classroom over the next year. Learning outside is really important to us and their kind donation will significantly help us to enhance provision for our youngest children."

Alice Fisher from York in Recovery, said:

“We are thrilled that York Racecourse have chosen us as one of their charities for Charity of the Year for 2023. We look forward to working with them to help raise awareness of the life-changing work we do in the recovery community of York and raise funds which are vital for people accessing our services.”