Staff and their families at Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James took on a Christmas community challenge, ‘the Santa’s Roadshow’ this December.
Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, the Grinch and the Hickathrift Elves spread Christmas cheer around 13 local Wisbech villages with the grand finale at Hickathrift House Care Home on December 17.
Hickathrift House staff and their families have completed their first year running the Santa’s Roadshow, meeting hundreds of local children and their parents.
They took on the Santa’s Roadshow in order to raise Christmas spirits and funds for the Hicakthrift House ‘Post A Wish’ initiative, which helps residents complete their lifelong dreams, from going to Fakenham Horse Racing Track to visiting every local history museum in the area.
The Hickathrift House team volunteered their time and resources to renovate their new sleigh and travel around 13 villages over eight nights, handing out sweets to children, playing festive music and made time to talk to each child about their Christmas wishes with Santa.
Every penny raised went into the Post A Wish initiative and the running costs of the sleigh were taken on by founder of P.A.P.A, People Against Parental Alienation, Simon Cobb, staff at Hickathrift House and an incredible donation by Askew & Barrett Pulses Ltd.
The Santa’s Roadshow stopped at several prominent businesses who allowed the Roadshow and children a safe place to take photographs and meet Santa.
Many local places put on themed drinks for the night or dressed up for the occasion such as J R Stott Fish and Chips in Outwell, The Sportsman Pub in Elm, The Swan Inn in Parsons Drove and Blackberry House Day Nursery Group in Walsoken, which made the festivities even better.
In response to this wonderful finale, Barrie, resident ambassador of Hickathrift House, said: “It is such an amazing feeling to know that such a loving group of people who look after us, care so much about us too.
“They have volunteered eight nights of their Christmas to help all of us live out our wishes next year.
“And to see so many people from the villages come support with all their children, has been so lovely”.
Paula Colman, general manager at the home, said: “We believe that every moment is worth cherishing, especially at this time of the year.
“We want everyone to be able to meet Santa and help get the local villages in the Christmas spirit.
“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team here and our close relationship with several businesses, in making so many children’s Christmas wishes come true.
“It was wonderful to see how happy the children were – and the staff loved being a part of this as well.”
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