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18
Oct 2020
Ripon saves Santa's sleigh from scrap heap
Charitable Ripon people have stepped up to save Santa's sleigh from the scrap heap after coronavirus cancelled this year's tour.
Lions Clubs International spreads Christmas cheer every year with its sleigh, festive music and Mr and Mrs Claus.
The group also collects money for the Ripon community but, with tight social distancing rules, the event is not viable this year. Without the means to collect money the sleigh would burn a hole in their finances, with running costs around £1,000 a year.
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To try and cut the losses Ripon Lions decided to "send this sleigh to the big sleigh park in the sky". However, support from the public has helped to put the annual fundraising on ice, ready to return in future.
With the £100 scrap price to beat, the group opened up bidding to the community on the Facebook group "Blow Your Horn Ripon". Within hours the bids had reached £800, and the sleigh was eventually sold for that price.
Helen Mackenzie, one of the volunteers, told the Stray Ferret:
With many of the volunteers for Ripon Lions in the older age category, they are more at risk of coronavirus. However, they still hope to hold some form of festive tour this year even if they cannot collect donations.
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