East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service extends heartfelt gratitude to communities throughout East Sussex and Brighton & Hove for their overwhelming support during several Christmas fundraising activities benefiting The Fire Fighters Charity.
Here’s a snapshot of the festive activities:
Saving Santa at Battle Fire Station: Despite the rain, Battle Fire Station hosted a joyful ‘Saving Santa’ event. The station welcomed the community for family-oriented fun, including warm beverages, food stalls, a raffle, an opportunity to meet local firefighters, learn about home safety, and a visit to Santa’s Grotto. The highlight was a thrilling rope rescue demonstration where firefighters heroically saved Santa from the Grinch, much to the delight of the onlookers.
Santa’s Visit to Eastbourne: Santa, accompanied by firefighters, visited various locations in and around Eastbourne from 14th to 23rd December 2023. This tour spread festive joy and successfully raised over £2600. Additionally, a special event at the Fire Station on 22nd December welcomed over 120 attendees, ensuring everyone had a chance to see Santa.
Preston Circus Annual Collection: On 21st and 22nd December 2023, the team at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, including community volunteers and others, conducted their traditional charity collection around Preston Circus Fire Station in Brighton. This effort was exceptionally successful, raising a remarkable total of £3876.89.
Chief’s Christmas Challenge: In celebration of The Fire Fighters Charity’s 80th birthday, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Dawn Whittaker initiated the ‘Chief’s Christmas Challenge’, encouraging staff to augment her £800 donation through various festive fundraisers. The campaign began with a bake sale that collected £60, followed by Uckfield Fire Cadets hosting a tombola at the Uckfield Christmas shopping evening, raising £165. Other activities included a staff Christmas Carol Concert, a plant sale, a staff quiz, and the Youth Engagement & Education team conducting a raffle as part of the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme, contributing £72.
To support these initiatives, donations can be made via their Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/page/esfrscxmaschallenge2023. While the closing date for this challenge is 15th January, The Firefighters Charity welcomes donations throughout the year.
