East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is saying a big thank you to communities across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove for their heartfelt generosity following a number of Christmas fundraising events in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity.
Here are some highlights of what’s been going on:
Saving Santa at Battle Fire Station
Battle Fire Station didn’t let a little rain dampen their Christmas spirit with their Saving Santa event! They opened the doors to the community with some family fun including hot drinks and food stalls, a raffle, meet the local Fire Fighter, home safety visit information and a Santa’s Grotto!
For the main event, members of the public cheered crews on to rescue Santa from the Grinch during a rope rescue demonstration.
Watch Manager Ben Pennington said: “I would like to thank our incredible crews whose dedication made this event happen. I’d also like to thank the warm and generous response from the community of Battle, raising £350.70 for The Fire Fighters Charity. The funds raised really do make an impact and we thank you for your support’’.
Santa visited Eastbourne
Santa and some of our firefighters headed to areas in and around Eastbourne between 14th and 23rd December 2023 spreading Christmas cheer and raised over £2600.
They also held an event at the Station on 22nd December, for those who may have not been able to catch Santa out and about, where over 120 people attended.
Crew Manager Kevin Hart, who was heavily involved in making this happen, said: ‘’Despite being on call and the unpredictable weather, it was a tremendous effort from the crews, bringing the community together to help raise funds for this fantastic cause. Thank you to all those who donated and came out to see us and Santa!”
Preston Circus Annual Collection
On 21st and 22nd December 2023, crews, community volunteers and other support from across East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service carried out their annual charity collection in and around Preston Circus Fire Station, Brighton, raising an incredible £3876.89.
Station Manager Tom Walby said: “A huge thanks to all the locals and visitors who came out on a blustery couple of days and dug deep to donate this year. The Firefighter’s Charity provides important support to firefighters, and their families, when they need it most.”
Chief’s Christmas Challenge
Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Dawn Whittaker challenged staff to grow her donation of £800, to mark The Fire Fighters Charity 80th birthday year, by hosting other festive fundraisers across the service.
This was kickstarted by a bake sale raising £60, followed by Uckfield Fire Cadets running a tombola at the Uckfield Christmas shopping evening raising £165, a staff Christmas Carol Concert, a plant sale, a staff quiz, and our Youth Engagement & Education team holding a raffle as part of the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme raising £72.
If you would like to donate, please visit our just giving page at: www.justgiving.com/page/esfrscxmaschallenge2023
The closing date is 15th January however The Firefighters Charity accepts donations all year round!
Thank you for your ongoing support.
About the Charity
The Fire Fighters Charity provides services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire fighters, fire personnel and their families through a range of support programmes including physical rehabilitation, psychological support, recuperation, and a confidential helpline which provides impartial advice, guidance, and support on a wide range of concerns.
You can find out more about the work of the Firefighters Charity here: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/
