CHILDREN who sat down to breakfast with Santa raised more than £500 for a charity dedicated to making disabled youngsters more mobile.
The fun morning at Stainton and Streatlam Village Hall on Saturday, December 2, also saw kids taking part in crafts and activities before a choice of pancakes with fruit and chocolate sauce or a bacon or sausage bun was served, followed by the story ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas read by Santa Claus.
The day was organised by Amanda Pettitt in gratitude to the charity Whizz Kidz, which provided her niece Ruby, who struggles to walk because of centre core disease, with an electric wheelchair.
She said: “We had 17 children aged from five-week-old Ada up to ten-year-olds. It was wonderful to see the hall filled with children. We had people who would not normally come to the hall so it was a good opportunity to showcase the hall as well.
“It went very well and we raised £550. I honestly didn’t think we would raise that amount.”
The morning featured a raffle, tombola and cakes made by supporters.
The part of Santa was played by hall member Tam Smith who used his talents to create the leather-bound story-telling book, as well as the props for the stage which included a fireplace grate made from recycled materials.
Beth Norden, community fundraiser for Whizz Kidz said: “Thank you so much for putting on what looks like a wonderful event. What an incredible amount of money to raise for Whizz Kidz. Thank you to everyone who donated, so kind at this time of year.”
The village hall association provided the venue free of charge to boost the amount raised for the charity.
Ms Pettitt said: “Thanks to helpers on the day Julie Hall, Jackie Smith and Fiona Chapman, bakers for the extra treats and thanks to my family for travelling to support and everyone else supporting the fundraiser.”
