Fochabers firefighters' Christmas collection set to bring cash boost to local charities
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CHARITIES in the Fochabers area are set to receive a four-figure boost thanks to the local team of on-call firefighters.
The run-up to Christmas saw the village's fire engine take on a decidedly festive look when it doubled as transport for Santa, some reindeer, Marshall from Paw Patrol and a squad of the Man in Red's helpers.
Their efforts, combined with ongoing generosity and support from local communities, saw them raise around £1300 for charities and good causes.
In addition to Fochabers itself, the team took Santa round the surrounding communities of Mosstodloch, Spey Bay, Kingston, Garmouth and, for a second year, Lhanbryde.
The collections were not without their challenges, as event organiser Fire Fighter Stuart Gerrard reflected.
"We had a great response to the collections but the weather didn't help at all.
"There was wind and rain and we really had to battle the elements at times, although folk still came out to support us, which was great.
"We also had a couple of callouts and had to reschedule some of the runs, but we got around everywhere in the end even though we had to rejig.
"We're all delighted to have raised £1300 and would like to thank everyone who supported us, it's very much appreciated. It was a tremendous effort. The total is a bit down on last year's £1500 but it's still very good when you consider the cost of living crisis we're all living under.
"We're very pleased all round.
"The money raised will all be going to local good causes – we'll confirm the recipients later in the year."
In addition to bringing festive cheers to the streets of Fochabers and the surrounding area, the team also took the joys of Christmas to some kids who were spending the season in hospital.
FF Gerrard continued: "It was the first time we've gone to the kids' ward at Dr Gray's Hospital to hand out some gifts.
"Santa was made very welcome, it was really great to see the grins on their faces when Santa came around.
"Hopefully we'll look at doing it again next Christmas."
He went on to express the team's gratitude to The Works bookshop in Elgin for their generous donations which helped put smiles on a lot of young faces ahead of Christmas.
