Forres Rotary present £500 to Forres Fire Station for The Fire Fighters Charity
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FORRES-based humanitarians have donated a three-figure sum to a local team of heroes.
Rotary Club of Forres presented a cheque for £500 to the crew at Forres Fire Station, who in turn named The Fire Fighters Charity as beneficiaries.
Rotary secretary Sheena MacGillivray explained the ongoing partnership between her voluntary colleagues and the local fire crew.
She said: “The firemen help us with the Santa’s sleigh tours and the fireworks so we are showing our gratitude.
“In the lead up to Christmas the fire crew go ahead of the tour and alert residents Santa is coming to their streets.
“They are great at getting as many youngsters as possible to see him.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service watch manager, Stuart Donald, confirmed his team are delighted with the “fantastic” donation.
He said: “It doubled last year’s amount!
“We were asked where we would like to see the funds go and we named The Fire Fighters Charity.
“A couple of our own teams have been helped by it in the last few years.
“It’s very important, both locally and nationally.”
Over the last few years, attending children have not been allowed to sit
with Santa during his tours of local estates because of the risk of covid transmission.
Stuart said: “We were asked to provide a draw for the kids with our lights and horn to let them know Santa’s on his way. We are happy to be involved and all the guys are delighted to help out.
“We always help out on bonfire night too.
“We provide safety cover via two trucks and allow the bonfire to burn down before making it safe.”
Forres Fire Station is clearing the Mosset Burn of rubbish – from Forres Academy to the Mosset Tavern from 11am-3pm on Sunday, May 1.
This will be followed by the team’s annual fundraising car wash at the station from 10am-4pm on Sunday, May 15.
Stuart said: “We will be welcoming approaches from members of the public who would like home safety visits.
“We will also be offering advice on new legislation regarding smoke alarms.”
