Express & Star

Penkridge Santa sleigh tour raises thousands for charity

Penkridge Round Table have powered Santa and his sleigh through the streets of village to spread some cheer and raise money for charity.

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Santa spread some much needed cheer to Penkridge residents

Planning for the 15-night event started in September, with the plans changing almost daily to fit within the restrictions.

The team eventually settled on groups of six socially distanced, mask wearing volunteers on each night.

Because of those restrictions, Santa was unable to stop and had to remain on the sleigh and the teams of regular helpers were unable to join them, some missing out on the event for the first time in many years.

With the help of their Sleigh Tour sponsor, CLAIRS Composite Doors, the team were also able to deliver hot chocolate and mugs to all first schoolers in the local area.

They also produced and broadcast Stories with Santa, where Santa read a Christmas story to the children via a live stream on Facebook.

This year in addition to cash, they also operated an online donation page and a text to donate service and raised more than £6,200 for local good causes - their highest ever total.

Chairman Rob Ball said: “This year has been very hard on all of us, being able to operate the Sleigh Tour was very important to us and we are very happy that we were able to go ahead with it. It is with hope that 2021 will see the return of normal life and our other fund-raising activities. Merry Christmas everyone!”

Donations can still be made online at uk.gofundme.com/f/Santarequiresyourhelp

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