FATHER CHRISTMAS has had to reduce his routes around Stratford district due to a lack of helpers.
Santa will be coming to town next week on his annual charity collecting drive but due to low membership at Alcester and Stratford District Round Table, the trip will not be as extensive as in past years.
Round Table members will be accompanying Santa, rattling their collecting buckets around towns in the district, starting on Tuesday December 6.
They will take in Alcester, Studley, Oversley Green, followed by Bidford, over nine days.
The group, accompanied by volunteers from a host of local organisations and charities, won’t be knocking on doors again this year but will be out on the streets collecting donations and handing out chocolate to spread Christmas cheer.
While Listers Honda Stratford is supplying the reindeer power with a car to pull the sleigh.
Last year £5,064 was raised, which was distributed in January to the local groups and charities that helped the Round Table on their routes.
But Alcester and Stratford District Round Table is aware that due to the cost-of-living crisis and times being hard for a lot of people, coupled with their own low member numbers, they may not raise as much cash this year.
Richard Jones, one of Santa’s helpers, remained upbeat.
He said: “We’re really looking forward to bringing Santa to the local area and raising vital funds for local charities and groups. Santa has promised us that he will once again be on top form dancing to some great Christmas tunes.”
He continued however that due to low member numbers, some of the usual routes have had to be dropped this year.
Anyone who would like to join Alcester and Stratford District Round Table can find out more by visiting www.alcesterroundtable.com
The group is open to men aged 18 to 45 who want to get involved in making their community better and finding like-minded friends.
They meet twice a month on a Wednesday for a social meet one week, while the other meet is usually an event or activity such as an escape room, disc golf or paddle boarding.
Round Table members also get involved in organising charity fundraising events like Santa routes, the pig roast at Alcester street market and Alcester Beer Festival.
To find out Santa’s exact route visit https://www.facebook.com/AlcesterandStratfordDistrictRoundTable
