LETTERS – Thanks for sleigh support

President Richard Baker and members of South Holland Rotary would like to put on record our sincere thanks to the people of Spalding who contributed so generously to our Christmas Sleigh Collection in December.

In this most unusual year we were unsure of what to expect and how we would be received.

We were determined that Santa would be able to go on his usual routes for the sake of the children even if we collected nothing at all but we got a wonderful joyous reception wherever we went.

Because of Coronavirus restrictions we had fewer collectors than previously but we were able to achieve a grand total of just over £8,000 – the vast majority of which will be used for the benefit of the local community.

We say a huge “thank you” to everyone who helped us reach that sum and we especially thank those members of other local groups who came out to collect with Santa in our ever-growing town.

Over the next few weeks we will be distributing funds to local deserving causes in South Holland.

We have already supported many other charities with local connections, local COVID comfort groups, hospices, foodbanks and international disaster relief funds for example.

We are always keen to hear of local good causes in need of our help.

We wish to especially thank Lidl for allowing our static collections at their store, SHDC for permission to collect in Hall Place and Bush Tyres for their generous help in getting Santa’s sleigh ready to take to the road for the season.

Last, but not least, President Richard thanks all members, friends and family who contributed to making this year’s collection a success in such challenging circumstances.

We continue to join Rotary International’s fight against that other crippling virus polio and after more than 30 years, together with The World Health Organisation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and governments including our own, we are getting closer to the end of the battle.

Our efforts will continue until the disease is eliminated.

Thank you once again, everyone, for your support.

Please stay safe and we hope to see you all next year.

If you would like to learn more about the work of Rotary or you are interested in joining or helping us please see our website: southhollandrotary.org.uk or look us up on Facebook or you can contact our Secretary Ian Smee on 01775 714722.

Steve Colby
South Holland Rotary Club