Proceeds from Forres Rotary’s Santa’s sleigh tour in December donated to The Fire Fighters Charity on behalf of Forres Fire Station
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A local service organisation raised £1000 for the charity that looks after a team that saves lives in the area.
Proceeds from Forres Rotary’s Santa’s sleigh tour in December - supported by a crew from Forres Fire Station - have been donated to The Fire Fighters Charity.
Forres Fire Station Watch Manager Stuart Donald confirmed the organisation offers support for staff who need rehabilitation after injury.
He said: “We are delighted with the funding that was raised by last year’s sleigh tour. We enjoy supporting the Rotary who do a tremendous job of putting the it together. The kids love to see Santa and our appliance helps notify everyone he’s on his way. While we are out, we also discuss fire safety options for homes with parents and often follow up with a free home fire safety visit.”
Tour organiser, Andy Wardley of the Rotary’s winter activities committee, explained the crew’s involvement greatly contributes to the annual event’s success - and bucket collection.
He said: “It was well received again last year. Leading the way with a fire engine encourages more families to come out to chat with Father Christmas. Everyone admired his revamped sleigh with its new lights and design. The sleigh is a partnership with Forres Fire Station who support the national charity. We are proud to help support such a worthy cause.”
The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the fire services community via health and wellbeing services. See https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/ for more information.
Last yaer, local businesses supplied materials for a new sleigh base, deer stand and seat, graphics, lighting and sideboards. In the lead up to Christmas, supporters in estates around Forres and Kinloss were warned of Santa’s approach when the fire truck arrived first, followed by the sleigh with its lights, music and very special passenger ready to record children’s requests. Firefighters and Rotarians accepted money donations, and there was also an online collection via justgiving.
The Rotary winter activities committee led by Carlo Miele is already preparing for next year.
Andy said: “Don Mackenzie and I support Santa’s sleigh and the ShelterBox international disaster relief charity. We’re finalising a new route through the top part of Falconer Avenue. We’ll also be modifying the sleigh a touch to improve the speakers and lights.
“Rotary supports ShelterBox with an information table at Tesco. We’ve now taken delivery of a trailer with more equipment to display and discuss there. Plans are afoot for bonfire night too!”
