Falkirk Round Table's Santa Sleigh helps four local charities

The organisation’s largest annual fundraiser once again saw Santa tour the local streets on his sleigh over a four week period in the run up to Christmas.

Santa’s helpers went from door to door collecting cash, as well as donations being made through an online collection page. A total of £17,583.33 was raised this year.

The cash has been shared between four charities – The Seagull Trust, Strathcarron Hospice, Falkirk District Association for Mental Health (FDAMH) and Town Break Dementia Services – and a donation has also been made to the 3rd Falkirk BBs.

Representatives from each of the organisations attended a recent meeting of the Falkirk Round Table at Behind the Wall, when cheque presentations were made. Representatives from the three sponsors – FBS Plumbing Solutions, Ochilwood Joinery and Elevate Signs and Graphics – were also in attendance.

David Young, vice chairman of Falkirk Round Table, said: “It was an honour to present cheques to the four local charities from the money we raised this year on our Santa Sleigh Appeal.

"We are amazed every single year by the generosity of the people of Falkirk when we go round the streets collecting the month before Christmas.

"It was another record breaking year in terms of money collected, but most important to our members – which we only have 16 members who organise and run this event – we managed to visit more streets and put on more nights to help spread the Christmas spirit throughout Falkirk.

"I was also delighted to present the 3rd Falkirk BBs with a donation after they volunteered all month on the sleigh.

"A special thanks to our sleigh sponsors this year – FBS Plumbing Solutions, Ochilwood Joinery and Elevate Signs and Graphics.”

The cash was split between the charities with £5000 for The Seagull Trust; £3725.50 for Strathcarron Hospice; £3000 for FDAMH and £3000 for Town Break. The BBs received a £1000 donation.

As well as touring the local streets, the Falkirk Round Table sleigh also attended several local Christmas light switch on events in December, including Bo’ness and Denny.