Community Comes Together to Raise £5,000 for Local Charities

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Bourne End & Cookham Rotary Club has successfully raised over £5,000 for charity through their festive Santa sleigh visits across the area last December. Volunteers dressed as Santa brought joy to residents while collecting donations that would go a long way in supporting two vital local charities.

Santa's Sleigh: A Tradition of Generosity

The tradition saw members of the Rotary Club take Santa and his sleigh through Bourne End, Cookham, Flackwell Heath, and the Wooburns, spreading holiday cheer and collecting funds from generous residents. Thanks to the community’s enthusiasm, the initiative garnered more than £4,000 in donations, which the Rotary Club graciously matched to make the total reach an impressive £5,000.

Supporting Vital Services

The collected funds are being evenly distributed between the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and the Thomas Ball Children’s Cancer Trust, both of which are organizations that hold special significance to the local community. Rotarian Richard Monger expressed his gratitude towards residents for their overwhelming support, highlighting how such initiatives strengthen community bonds.

Looking Ahead

The Rotary Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, aims to continue this festive tradition in the future and remains committed to supporting local charities and projects. Plans are underway for Santa's sleigh to return later this year, providing another opportunity for residents to unite for a cause that benefits the community.

For those interested in learning more about the Rotary Club’s activities or how to get involved, they can contact club secretary Chris Whibley at contact@beac-rotary.org.uk.