Santa Sleigh

Santa Came to Town

The Hemel Rotary Santa Sleigh was out and about this year in Hemel Hempstead, Kings Langley and Abbots Langley bringing joy, seasonal songs and lots of fun to children of all ages.

Despite the efforts of Storms Bert and Darragh, four routes needing to be rearranged, they still managed to complete all 25 street by street routes, supported by 25 collector organisations, visiting 386 roads and covering 111 kilometres (69 miles).

There were seven static events with the chance to have photos taken with the sleigh, helped by 50 volunteers who gave 250 man hours as collectors, drivers and Mr and Mrs Claus.

The months activity raised £15,000.  Cash in buckets made up £11,150 of this resulting in the counting of 564 notes and 22,099 sterling coins.  Since the introduction of the Hemel Rotary Santa Sleigh over £110,000 has been raised and donated back into the community.

Each of the 25 collector organisations will receive £320 at a presentation evening at the end of February and the remainder will be donated by Hemel Rotary to local charities and organisations at a second presentation evening.

The sleigh funds were boosted by £315 from the Christmas Chocolate Santa Raffle supported by and hosted at 20 local pubs and clubs.

Hemel Rotary would like to thank everyone who helped with the Santa Sliegh activity and indeed everyone who donated along the way.  Further updates on beneficiaries and all information about the sleigh can be found on the Santa Sleigh website  (www.hemelsantasleigh.co.uk).