Good News! Santa's Sleigh will still be coming to see you soon.
Santa's annual visit to Malton, Norton and the surrounding village is still going ahead this year with a few key differences. The sleigh will steadily makes it way around the area, accompanied by members of the Malton, Norton and District Lions Club but this year we are asking that you give us a socially distanced wave to keep Santa and his Elves safe.
How Can You Support the Lions?
We really don't want to let down the organisations and individuals who rely on the Lions to help, so we're asking you to donate a little differently this year:
The Sleigh is the biggest fundraiser in our calendar, but this year our collectors will not be able to knock on every door to ask for donations to support our work. We know that Christmas is a time when families have many demands on their finances, and we really value the support of our local community. Because we are a volunteer organisation, you can be sure that any money you donate will be reaching those in need, and so we can respond quickly where needed. Our panel of trustees can make decisions and more importantly get assistance to somebody (actual or financial) within 24 hours of being asked for our help.
You can text to donate fixed amounts - £1, £3, £5 and £10.
To donate £1, text VPNA02 to 70201
To donate £3, text VPNA02 to 70331
To donate £5, text VPNA02 to 70970
To donate £10, text VPNA02 to 70191
There is no limit to the number of times you can text, but please get permission from the bill payer.
Alternatively, you can donate by clicking the DONATE button above.
Poster Competition
As the sleigh won't be stopping this year and so children will not be able to speak to Santa close up, we're asking children to colour in a poster and display it in the window of their homes. We will be publishing our route on Facebook.
Here are some examples of recent projects:
- Over £9,000 donated to Ryedale Foodbank to feed those in need during the Coronavirus Pandemic
- £2,000 raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance through a Virtual Summer Lunch
- Subsidised and delivered Fish and Chips to the over 65’s in Malton, Norton and surrounding villages.
- Tank of heating oil for a lady in need.
- Small freezer for dog meat for an ex forces lady with PTSD and an assistance dog
- Two separate families given a holiday in a caravan in Filey – a grandmother and young carer, and grandmother who has had serious health issues.
- Financial support for mother and 3 children being rehoused following domestic abuse
- Paid for 2 x 3 hour counselling sessions for lady with hoarding issues
- Financial support for balance of rent arrears for lady with anxiety and depression just made redundant and having to wait 5 weeks for Universal Credit to kick in.
- Bought sofa for £95 from Hospice shop plus supplied various household items by ex Lions members for lady fleeing domestic abuse and now rehoused.
What Do Lions Do?
We support local charities and good causes. Some examples are the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Ryedale Special Families and Ryedale Free Fridge. We also respond to requests from professionals who work with local people who need assistance– this might be a young family that needs a cooker, or a student who wants to volunteer overseas. All requests are considered.
We are active throughout the year, helping at local events, and organising other events to raise money. Our members are from many different backgrounds and ages, and have a range of different experiences.
Where Can I See Santa?
Please "Like" our Facebook page - our route will be published there.
Interested in Becoming a Lion?
If you’d like to know more about our work or want to get involved, then please send us a message on our Facebook page. You’ll be invited to a meeting, and get to see how we support our community.