In December 2023, 1,000s of people donned Christmas outfits for Liverpool’s Annual Santa Dashon, the 5k course across the city centre for a variety of charitable courses. Although many opted for the traditional red Santa outfit, some opted for the blue of Everton FC. Despite the cold weather there was a huge turnout on the event’s 20th anniversary.
The Liverpool Group are supporting this worthy cause to purchase a Blood Bike for the Liverpool City area. The total cost to buy and equip a Blood Bike is approximately £14,000.
Merchants’ Lodge No. 241 is one of many lodges involved in raising funds for this vital charity and three hardy brethren from the lodge, Jhun Ranario, Mogan Athmanathan and Neil Francis took part in the Liverpool Santa Dash of over three miles through the streets of Liverpool. 1,000s of other runners, joggers, walkers took part on a very cold and icy morning.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the brethren managed to cross the line and receive a medal, and as it was such good fun, they agreed to enter the Santa Dash again next year. The brethren raised over £250 in sponsorship for the Liverpool Group Blood Bike Appeal.
The brethren then dashed, after showers and a change of clothes to the Merchants’ Lodge Christmas Lunch where they enjoyed a well-deserved festive meal. Following the Lunch, a raffle took place and Merchants’ Lodge brethren agreed to donate the proceeds to the Blood Bike Appeal making a grand total of £480 with further donations to come.
