Over the festive period Kettering Lions ran five events starting off with Santa's Sleigh visiting the local housing estates and residents of Kettering. Whilst they were primarily collecting cash, any cans and food items donated were accepted and passed on to St Jude’s Kettering Homeless Centre.
Whilst over £3,000 was collected the Lions wish however, to move more towards collecting cash rather than food. This is so that they can obtain vouchers from Kettering town centre supermarkets which will enable the local needy to choose their own treat for Christmas.
As well as the Sleigh tour of the estates Kettering Lions hosted four events in Kettering Town Centre involving Santa's Sleigh complete with Father Christmas and a couple of his reindeer which made an appearance.
One of the events was the Kettering Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch on where Kettering Borough Council was very pleased to have Kettering Lions bring along Father Christmas for their Grotto. Kettering Lions also collected donations at these town centre events in order to help to local needy.
Finally the Lions hosted two Christmas parties, one for local adults with learning difficulties and the other for local needy children. Both were very successful with live music, DJs, and a visit from the Mayor. In addition at the children’s party there were circus skills demonstrations as well as a visit from Father Christmas
Kettering Lions stated how very much they enjoyed helping the community at this festive time and look forward to doing the same next year.