Santa’s sleigh jingles as Tablers raise £4k
The sound of sleigh bells ringing as Santa made his way around the streets of Stirling has helped raise more than £4000 for charity.
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Round Table, who have been escorting Santa around the Bridge of Allan, Cambuskenneth, Causewayhead and Cornton areas for 46 years, raised the eye watering total of £4383.82 from their efforts.
Every penny of the sum raised has been returned to identified local good causes who perhaps struggle during the festive season.
This week, direct from the money donated from the local communities, the Round Tablers were delighted to donate £500 to the Salvation Army which paid for their Christmas Day lunch.
The local branch opened its doors to the homeless, hungry or lonely.
Additionally, the Round Table also gifted cheques of £1500 each to Start–Up Stirling and the Stirling Women’s Aid. Both charitable organisations report a spike in the need for their services in and around the Christmas period.
Malcolm Cheyne, chairman of Stirling and Bridge of Allan Round Table, said: “Each year we are amazed at the generosity of the local community who perhaps buy a tree from us at our Christmas tree sale, or answer their door with a smile when we come round with Santa and give us their change.
“People sometimes apologise they only have £1 to spare, but we are genuinely grateful for every penny we receive, and as you can see from our total, every penny adds up.”
Jamie Gillespie, project administrator from Start–Up Stirling, added: “We are extremely grateful to all the local schools, clubs and offices who donate food parcels to us at this time of year.
“This generosity makes a huge difference to what we do, especially at this time of year.
“However, sometimes we are just as much in need of cash that enables us to purchase all the other bits and pieces such as fresh fruit and veg, and even the fuel for our deliveries in the Stirling area. We are very grateful to the Round Table.”