It is the fourth year the club is raising money for the 3BA Christmas Appeal, with donations to come from the entrance fee, kids activities and food trucks.

Christmas Appeal director Peter Caligari said every family was entitled to a happy Christmas and every child entitled to a visit from Santa. 

“The support is very valuable with the number of less fortunate families in Ballarat continuing to rise every single day,” he said.

“And registrations for the agencies and charities for this year are already well ahead of last year, so support from events like this is just so important.”

Mr Caligari said the Christmas Appeal required first and foremost cash donations, toys and food items, which would be shared among Ballarat’s welfare agencies.

“With the demand being so high, cash donations being the priority allows more flexibility for the agencies, because it’s no good if they have massive quantities of toys if they need food,” Mr Caligari said.

The Family Christmas Trots Night takes place on Friday, November 24, from 5.30-9pm at the Ballarat and District Trotting Club.

Adults are $10, families $15, while children under 18 are free.

For more information visit ballarattrottingclub.com.au.