A CHRISTMAS boot camp will help people slim down while raising funds for struggling families.
Fitness instructor Kim Raine, of Bookham, has organised the "Santa-themed" event to help B@titude, a charity that supports disadvantaged families in Leatherhead.
She came up with the idea after noticing a homeless man sleeping rough at Leatherhead Cricket Club, where she used to hold her "Babes on the Run" female fitness camps.
Shortly afterwards, she read the Advertiser's appeal for support for homeless shelter Pitstop, and she decided to do something.
She said: "After reading on the front of the Leatherhead Advertiser a few weeks ago about how Pitstop were receiving an increasing number of requests from local families who needed help and food, we spoke with B@titude.
"They are a charity that helps and supports families in Leatherhead and we decided to hold a Santa boot camp to raise funds to donate so they can purchase supermarket vouchers that families in need can use during the winter months."
The event will take place at Leatherhead Leisure Centre on Saturday, from 10am, with registration from 9.30am.
Those taking part are asked to bring a Santa hat and donate a minimum of £5.
"This fun-filled workout will suit all levels of fitness and is open to males and females to take part for a really great cause," said Ms Raine, 39.
"The leisure centre has kindly donated the Tylney Room for us to use and I am hoping, fingers crossed, that either of the large local supermarkets will offer a donation, so now all we need to do is fill the event."
The money raised will go towards helping families deal with the financial strains of Christmas.
Naomi Moore, from B@titude, said: "Christmas is definitely one of the most pressured times for families.
"We have had lots of help from other organisations and churches for the Christmas period, but what Kim is doing for us is raising money to give to families in January when things are still really tight.
"Often organisations only focus on Christmas time but after it's all calmed down January can sometimes be even harder than December."
Visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/babesontherun or call Ms Raine on 07594 806576 for more information or to donate.
