The familiar jingle of festive bells will be returning to Nuneaton’s streets next month thanks to friendly local Rotarians.
Members of The Rotary Club of Arbury will be joined by volunteers when they take their sleigh out and about in December as children gear up for some pre-Christmas excitement – all in the name of fundraising.
It will mark a return to the area for the traditional charity sleigh, after the pandemic put the brakes on the fundraising last year.
The local routes are as follows. . .
Wednesday, 15th December: Milby Drive, Norwich Close, Canterbury Way, Gloucester Close, Chelsea Close, Callendar Close, Pallett Drive, Woodcote Avenue, Bladon Close.
Friday, 17th December: Windermere Avenue, Enerdale Crescent, Ambleside Way, Higham Lane, St. Nicolas Park Drive, Buttermere Avenue, Langdale Drive, Thirlmere Avenue, Ullswater Avenue.
Monday, 20th December: Brookdale Road, Shanklin Drive, Eastfield Road, Southfield and Westfield Close, Weddington Road, Kingsbridge Road, Ventnor Street, Ryde Avenue, Carisbrook Road, Niton Road, Kingsbridge Road, Regency Close, Queensway.
Wednesday, 22nd December: Romsey Avenue (Weddington School), Glenfield Avenue, Shaw Avenue, Castle Road, Bramdene Avenue, Winchester Avenue, Fox Avenue, Bramdene Avenue.
Arbury Rotary Club hopes to help a host of local causes by contributing around £3,000 towards the projected £200,000 raised across the Heart of England Rotary region by the traditional sleigh run initiative.
And this year – in line with continuing Covid precautions – more ways to donate have been introduced, including contactless payments, mobile phone texts and VR codes, as a form of donation.
Heart of England Rotary spokesperson, Colin Winstone, said: “Our Rotary Clubs have been helping Father Christmas raise funds to support those less fortunate by means of his sleigh runs for over 25 years all across the West Midlands. Now a firm favourite with local residents, the sound of the sleigh arriving excites children and adults alike.
“The proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s chosen local community charities, including foodbanks, toy boxes, children’s parties, supporting the elderly, winter warmth projects and many more. There are nine Rotary-organised Santa sleighs throughout the Heart of England and everyone’s support is much appreciated.”
Anyone who is not able to see Father Christmas on the day but who would like to donate, can also do so by visiting: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=347
