Although it might still be only November, members of Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club are already busy planning a festive fundraiser.

While Christmas will be very different this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the second Narberth Santa Run has had to be cancelled, Rotarians are instead staging a Santa Run raffle.

“This is effectively a raffle, but rather than tickets we are selling ‘Santas’ at a £1 each, very similar to our successful virtual duck race in the summer,” explained Rotary president Chris Williams:

“All the ‘Santas’ purchased will be given a number and on Sunday, December 13, the draw will be held at Narberth RFC to pick the winners using their random number generator machine.”

Proceeds will be in aid of Narberth Foodbank, PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship) and Rotary charities.

There are great prizes up for grabs with first prize £50 (donated by the club), a hamper from Narberth-based Calon Wen, plus four hampers, a bottle of whisky and a signed Katherine Jenkins CD, all donated by club members.

Continued Chris: “Last year, we were delighted to hold the inaugural Narberth Santa Run and we were very much looking forward to holding the second one this year.

“Sadly, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, along with many other things, that is not going to be possible.

“In 2019, we were delighted to raise the magnificent sum of £1,000 for Narberth Foodbank and as they now need our help more than ever, we have decided that we must do something to support the good work they do.”

‘Santas’ can be purchased via the club website, www.nwrotary.co.uk for just £1

Money raised by this event will be donated to Narberth Food Bank and PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship) and other Rotary nominated charities.

Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club have also launched two charity calendars for 2021 – one for Narberth and one for Whitland which feature photographs of both towns.

The calendars can also be purchased online on the club website or local outlets.

In Narberth, they can be bought at - Nobles Newsagents, Haulfryn Jewellers, The Bloomfield Centre, Narberth Museum and Rushacre Garage, while in Whitland, the Post Office and Stores (Clr. Barry Chapman), Mark John Butchers, The Station House and Mr. Roger Penn all have copies for sale.

Calendar printing has been kindly sponsored by Valero (Narberth edition) and Mason Bros (Whitland version).

Added Chris: “On behalf of the club, we would like to say thank you very much to everyone for all the support given to all our events.

“We are delighted to have on board Olly Hough and Owain Holgate, who attend Ysgol y Preseli, two local Duke of Edinburgh Award students, who have volunteered their time to help deliver flyers in the community promoting the Santa raffle and calendars so please look out for one dropping through your door.

“We very much hope that you will enjoy taking part in our Santa raffle and purchase a Narberth or Whitland calendar – and of course, they really do make great Christmas stocking filler too.”