Rotary Christmas float raises a record amount for local charities

The Rotary Club of Middleton Christmas Float

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The Rotary Club of Middleton has raised a record amount of £6,506 for local charities and community groups from their door-to-door Father Christmas and Sainsbury collections.

All the money raised will be distributed to successful applicants to the Rotary Club of Middleton’s Dragons Den initiative. Successful applicants will be announced in February.

The Rotary Club’s annual 2013 Father Christmas initiative was almost cancelled when their previous float was stolen. However, thanks to many local businesses and a mammoth effort by the Rotary Club they were able to build a new float in about three weeks, ensuring Father Christmas was able to once again meet the children of Middleton.

The Rotary Club of Middleton Treasurer, Keith Trinnaman said: “We have been overwhelmed and greatly heartened by the generosity of the good people of Middleton.

"Many people were aware of our stolen float and were so happy and pleased to see that we had managed to build a new float in time to cheer everyone up during the festive period.

“The amount raised is a record amount for the club and the funds will be distributed amongst good causes in the local area, so many thanks to the people of Middleton for such tremendous support.

"We must also thank Sainsbury's at Heaton Park for allowing us to collect at their store on two days over Christmas. Their customers were also very supportive and boosted the fund with over £1,500 collected. So we have even more funds to give away this year.”