FIREFIGHTERS have raised over £1,000 with their Christmas Float in Yate Shopping centre.
The crew from Yate Fire station had to adapt their usual fundraising efforts and instead restored their famous Christmas Sleigh which was displayed in the shopping centre for December.
The firefighters usually fundraise by running a number of charity car washes, but unfortunately due to the pandemic, were not able to.
The team decided to rebuild the float with donations from Jewsons, Slimming world classes in the area and members of the local community.
The float was intended to be on display for the five days leading up to Christmas, but due to Covid restrictions following the Prime Ministers announcement on Saturday 19th December, the float was only on display for two days.
Donations collected by the firefighters who accompanied the Christmas float over the two days have been shared equally between The Firefighters Charity and NHS Charities.
Yate Fire Station’s Watch Manager, Di Clack said: “After returning to Yate Fire Station in August this year, I discovered the Christmas float hadn’t been put out on display for the past two years at Yate Shopping Centre.
“I decided to round up a few of the firefighters based at Yate and together we completely rebuilt it.
“My colleagues and I are delighted by the money raised, especially in the short amount of time we had the float on display.
“On behalf of the whole station, I would like to thank everyone involved in building the new float, as well as everyone who very kindly and generously donated.”
It is hoped that the firefighters from Yate Fire Station will continue to support this Christmas tradition each year, raising funds for those charities who need it most, more this year than ever before.
If you were unable to see the new Christmas float and donate in person, there’s still an opportunity to support the charities:
For the Firefighters Charity visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/afrs03christmasfloat
The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist lifelong support for members of the UK’s fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives.
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