WOKINGHAM Lions are toasting the new year by celebrating the success of their first winter carnival.
Previously, they have just had a fundraising stall at the annual event, held on the last Sunday in November, but this year they took on organising duties, complementing their May Fayre event.
Wokingham Lion Tim Hanton, Chairman of The Winter Carnival Committee, said the volunteer-led group were “really pleased” and wanted to thank those who came along and made the day a great success.
“Our thanks also go to our supporters Wokingham Town Council and The Wokingham Society, as well as our sponsors Trademark Windows and The Rose Inn,” he said.
“We are also grateful to The Town Mayor, Councillor Maria Gee, Mayor’s Consort Chris Gee and Mini-Mayor Jayden Hawie for opening The Winter Carnival, the charities who make up A Christmas Presence for their wonderful Santa’s Grotto, and all the volunteers who gave their time to help and make sure everything went well.”
Wokingham Lions Club made £13,500 from the event which will be distributed to this year’s major beneficiaries, Kaleidoscopic UK and Building for the Future, as well as other local charities and good causes.
“We estimate from feedback that charities present at the Winter Carnival also made a fantastic total of around £30,000 on the day, which is great news,” Mr Hanton added.
For more information about the Winter Carnival and Wokingham Lions Club, log on to: wokinghamlions.org.uk, or call: 0345 8337384.
