Festive Donation Brings Christmas Spirit to Bradford Communities

BRADFORD, U.K. - Dec. 19, 2023 - PRLog -- After an urgent sponsorship appeal by local councillors to help build and decorate a sleigh for Santa, Bradford College stepped in - just in time for a series of enchanting Santa breakfasts for local children.

Chris Hayden, Eccleshill Ward Councillor said:

"Last Christmas, hundreds of people in Ravenscliffe and Greengates turned out to watch a spectacular Santa parade after we borrowed a sleigh made by Baildon Men's Shed. The volunteer team, myself, and Councillor Andy Walsh (Wyke Ward Councillor and CEO at Sandale Trust), hoped to expand Santa's route this year and incorporate more Bradford postcodes with a higher proportion of social housing. However, the sleigh was no longer available.

"Not to be thwarted, Councillor Andy Walsh set his team about designing and building a brilliant new sleigh from a converted camping trailer! This is to be maintained by the newly formed 'BD10 Community Events' group, in partnership with Sandale Community Trust and students at Bradford College.

"The project team received the support of local youth services and community centres to assist with the project, however an appeal needed to be launched to cover the construction costs, decoration costs, and the costs for running the events. Funding for these projects is more vital than ever as, sadly, the demand for welfare and community support is only rising."

In a gesture of seasonal goodwill, Bradford College supported the project to ensure the parades could go ahead annually. These were kicked off by a series of free Santa breakfasts for the local community held at Sandale Community Hub in Buttershaw on Monday 18^th and Wednesday 20^th December.

Bradford College is an established partner of Sandale Community Trust. Earlier this year, twelve Level 3 Business students helped manage the charity's operations and gained invaluable work experience. The Bradford College Students' Union also collected toys, non-perishable food, toiletries, and warm winter clothes donations for local community hubs and charities, including Sandale Community Trust.

*Sandale Community Development Trust is a registered charity; one-off or monthly donations (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=ZK3RQ6SLNivw8Yyg-Lm6I...) can be made to support this vital work across Bradford South communities.*