The Rotary Club of Canterbury Sunrise has held the Santa’s Sleigh series of events in Canterbury for several years, collecting for charity and other deserving causes while bringing seasonal joy to the community – particularly to the young children who look forward to seeing Santa.
This year some of our members plus members of Forest of Blean Rotary Club joined Sunrise as “Rotary in Canterbury” to bring Santa Claus to Canterbury – to the delight of many local families. “It’s been cold – but it’s been so much fun working together with the other Rotary clubs in Canterbury. The best bit is waving to the little children who’ve stayed up to see Santa and his sleigh!” said one of the elves for whom this was a first outing with Santa.
Santa, his musical sleigh and the accompanying elves generated plenty of festive cheer, while financial or food donations for Canterbury Food Bank and Rotary were also collected from those able to donate. On average the drive raises £4,000 or so and, despite the cost-of-living crisis, we hope to raise a somilar amount this year.
“Yet again, Santa has been a great success and popular with local families,” said President of Canterbury Sunrise, Sinitta Nightingale, adding “It’s been hard work, but well worth it. It’s so good to bring a smile to people’s faces when so many people are having a tough time. We’re grateful to all that donated and are absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to help the Food Bank too.”
This year the sleigh travelled through Wincheap, Chartham, Sturry Road, Barton Estate, Howe Barracks, Spring Lane, London Road, Thanington and Bridge over several December evenings. Yesterday the sleigh was at Morrisons for it’s final outing this year for Rotary in Canterbury.
Martin Ward, Chair of Trustees of Canterbury Food Bank said: “As the demands on the services of Canterbury Food Bank increase (up 46% over the year) due to the twin hits of the cost-of-living crisis and the energy crisis, it’s wonderful to see so many local people responding positively to Rotary’s Santa’s Sleigh collections. The donations to Canterbury Food Bank, whether food or money, will all go to supporting local people in crisis through the provision of emergency food parcels.” He added: “Although the weather during the collections was bitterly cold, it’s positively heart-warming to witness the generosity of so many kind supporters.”
Missed the sleigh, but still want to donate to Canterbury Food Bank? Click here.
Picture: Santa & his musical sleigh. Picture credit: Sinitta Nightingale/Rotary Club of Canterbury Sunrise.
