December was a hectic month for Westbury Lions Club as they worked hard to deliver Santa and his sleigh to as many children as possible in the community.
Lion President Angie Fawcett explains, “Our members and volunteer collectors were out every day from 1st December to Christmas Eve, sharing season’s greetings outside the supermarkets and visiting every road we could access with Santa and his sleigh in Westbury and the surrounding villages.
“The community really got behind us this year, with lots of people offering to help and coming out to meet our float when they knew it would be visiting their area. We have knocked on literally thousands of doors, checking to see if anyone wants to come out and see Santa, and have been thanked and welcomed by so many people for our community work – it is a really humbling experience to be involved.
“With all the donations from the Christmas Float this year, and combined with the donation from Redfish Events for their Christmas 3k Run at Leighton Recreation Centre, which we also attended with Father Christmas and Rudolph, we have raised over £6,500, smashing last year’s record of £5,800!
“We really couldn’t have made it to all those houses this year without the help of a lot of volunteers, both fellow Lions and all of those kind residents who came forward and offered to help, the team at Redfish Events who joined us collecting too, and also the wonderful Westbury Rangers who provided collectors on nights where our own volunteers were in short supply.
“Thanks are also due to the team at the Royal Commissions Board, who kindly allow us to store our float there during December and who keep a very safe eye on our equipment! Our drivers received a warm welcome every night from the guards and it would be remiss of us not to pass on our appreciation.
“The Lions must also extend special thanks to Matt Rowe and the team at Hire Standards, who so kindly loaned us a generator for the entire month to ensure the float remained merry and bright for all to see.
“Last but not least, we have to thank the community of Westbury who have supported us so generously every year. We are so proud to be supported and loved by so many!”
Westbury Lions Club will be using all of the money raised to continue its support of community projects and families in need over the next 12 months and invite anyone who may need their support, or who wishes to get involved, to get in touch via their website – www.westbury lions.org.uk or via Facebook.
