Dreghorn firefighters raised hundreds of pounds for charity at their first ever Santa’s Grotto Drive Thru.
The frontline workers raised £732.80, which was split between Cash for Kids West Scotland and the Fire Fighters Charity.
The Santa’s Grotto Drive Thru took place at Dreghorn Community Fire Station on Sunday, December 15 from 12.30pm until 5pm.
On the day, families drove through the appliance bay to meet Santa and received a small selection box, along with a certificate stating they met Santa at Dreghorn Community Fire Station.
While families waited in the queue for their turn, there were mascots to interact with the kids and every child received a small bag of reindeer dust, hot chocolate and marshmallow.
There were also vintage fire trucks on show and lots of Christmas decorations.
Firefighter Kevin Webster said: “Our Santa Grotto Drive which took place on Sunday, December 11 at Dreghorn Community Fire Station was a success.
“With everyone in the Christmas spirit, we managed to raise £732.80 which was split between Cash for Kids West Scotland and the Fire Fighters Charity.
“The event brought the local community together and celebrated Christmas in style.
“It was very heart warming to see lots of children and families with big smiles on their faces as they drove through our station where they received a small gift and certificate.
“They got the chance to meet the favourite mascots such as Sonic, Olaf, Cash for Kids mascot – Courage the cat and of course Santa.”
The firefighters are “overwhelmed” by support from local businesses and members of the public.
Prior to the event, members of the local community, businesses and organisations, have handed in selection boxes, cash and gift vouchers.
Primark Irvine donated 179 selection boxes, GSK Irvine donated 70 selection boxes, Dreghorn Territorial Army donated 15 selection boxes, Tesco Irvine donated 24 selection boxes, Crown Inn donated 15 selection boxes, Eglington Arms Dreghorn donated 30 selection boxes and four-year-old Brogan from Stevenston donated around 60 selection boxes.
Irvine Men’s Shed gave £50 towards selection boxes, North Ayrshire Council donated £150 towards selection boxes, Pound Stretcher Irvine donated a bag of Christmas arts and crafts, while Brae Dreghorn and Harbour Lights donated £25 gift vouchers each.
Kevin said: “We could not have done it without all who donated and of course the public for turning up in such great spirits.
“We had around 400 selection boxes which have been donated to Cash for Kids West Scotland, Sense Scotland, North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership and North Ayrshire Children and Families.”
Kevin added: “Bex Johnson from Radio Clyde Cash For Kids (West Scotland) visited Dreghorn Community Fire Station to thank the SFRS for our donation of 192 selection boxes.
“Bounce station and Domino’s were also paid a visit for allowing us to borrow their mascots and Domino’s for providing pizza for our helpers.
“We would also like to thank the Scottish heritage trust as they brought along a couple of vintage fire appliances which were fantastic.
“The YVS – young firefighters from Kilwinning also helped out on the day and weren’t shy in helping out playing the mascots.
“We hope everyone involved has enjoyed this experience and have a fantastic Christmas and New Year.
“We look forward to next year, plans are already being made to make it bigger and better.”
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