Buckie firefighters swap alarm bells for jingle bells to raise over £7000 for charity
Santa has raised over £7000 for charity - with more than a little help from his friends at a local fire station.
Buckie’s on-call firefighter team swapped alarm bells for jingle bells when they lent Santa and his Firefighting Elves a hand for their annual two-week street collection across the town as well as Portgordon, Portessie and Findochty.
The team were also to be seen on two Sundays up at the town’s Tesco store.
Youngsters - and some not quite so young - eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa and his pals in a festively decorated fire engine.
Folk dug deep and a total of £7380 was raised from the collection.
Buckie fire station Watch Commander Colin Forbes said: “We’re delighted with the amount we’ve raised, it’s an outstanding total.
“This amazing total is a testament to the fantastic community spirit we have in our local area. We truly appreciate the incredible support from everyone who came out to greet us and donated so generously.
“We got an enthusiastic response everywhere we went and people were so generous.
“We were very fortunate with the weather this year, which was a big help.
“On behalf of everyone here at Buckie fire station, I’d also like to thank Tesco for allowing us to collect up at the store over two Sundays.”
The amount we raised will be split between The Firefighters’ Charity and The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Family Support Trust, as well as local good causes as yet to be decided. The Firefighters’ Charity provide support to both serving and retired firefighters to lead healthier and happier lives. This ranges across a huge range of services covering mental and physical health.
Founded in 1923 The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Family Support Trust is the oldest fire service charity in the UK. The trust offers financial support and grants for the fire service community.
Local groups and charities who feel they could benefit from a cash boost from the Christmas street collection are invited to get in touch with the team either through the station’s Facebook page, by dropping off a letter at the station or swinging by during their weekly training sessions on Mondays, which begin at 6.45pm.
The fire station address is East Cathcart Street, Buckie, AB56 1PJ.
