Rochdale Round Table annual Santa Sleigh to go ahead

Every Christmas for over 50 years Rochdale Round Table have guided Santa through the streets of Rochdale to visit families and bring some joy to the neighbourhood.

Along the route the local Round Table group have collected donations and canned foods for the borough’s foodbanks, but this year – for the first time since the 1960s – they are unable to accept donations and collect cans due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite being unable to conduct the usual Christmas Can Collecting scheme, to give children something to look forward to in the run up to Christmas this year, the group will still be visiting five Rochdale estates with Santa and his sleigh.

Rochdale Round Table’s Santa Sleigh will be visiting estates from 6pm/6.30pm. Dates and routes are as follows:

• 7 December - Caldershaw Estate
• 8 December - Clay Lane, Bamford
• 9 December - Shawclough
• 10 December - Burnedge
• 11 December - Nordale Park, Norden

 

 

Jonathan Houghton, Chairman of Rochdale Round Table, said: “We know Rochdale Foodbank rely on donations and every year we collect in the region of 3 tons of food and circa £2,000 in money. Therefore, since the inception of can collection, we believe Rochdale Round table have collected over £100,000 and over 150 tons of food.

“This year we are unable to do the usual food collections, but Santa will still be coming to see you!"

Without collecting tinned food or cans on the night, you can still contribute to the annual collection by donating money to the dedicated Just Giving page to help support Rochdale Foodbank:

• https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=rochdalesantasleigh

Jonathan continued: “With a general drop in fundraising and donations this year it is now more important than ever that we ask for your support. Rochdale Foodbank does a fantastic job at providing help to local people in crisis. Last year they helped to feed over 2,500 children.”

You can also text SANTASHELPERS followed by an amount to 70085 (for example, SANTASHELPERS 10 to donate £10). Texts cost donated amount plus one standard rate message.