Santa sleigh tour raises £5,000 over eight nights

A SANTA sleigh trail in Henley raised around £5,000 across eight nights.

More than 30 volunteers dressed as elves knocked on residents’ doors from Monday, December 2 to 5 and 8 to 12 to raise money for the Henley Lion’s Club.

The handmade wooden sleigh, which had been decorated with lights, was pulled by two volunteers in a Range Rover.

Father Christmas and his elves carried buckets with a QR code to collect cash and Just Giving donations along the tour of streets in the town centre.

Organiser Pam Phillips, a former mayor of Henley, said: “We did it for the children and aimed to bring joy. It’s a lot of effort but I’m very pleased that we have done it and I’m happy with the money we have raised because it brings Christmas joy to the children.

“I have organised it for eight years, since the Round Table branch in Henley ceased to exist. When I heard it was closing I asked whether the trail would still happen and when they said no I went to see Henley Lions to see if it would help.”

The club works closely with Citizens Advice and other local organisations including the Bluebells Day Centre, which provides social engagement, activities and care. To donate, visit justgiving.com/
henleylions