WINNER: BURGHFIELD SANTAS SPONSORED BY HILTON READING
A group of local people having fun and entertaining the community has had an amazing outcome, saving people’s lives.
“The Burghfield Santas are a group of local residents that have created fun events for the residents of Burghfield and the surrounding area for the last 19 years,” said a nominator for the Community of the Year award.
“In doing so they have raised over £350,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance,” they added.
“This has helped provide life-saving care for over 100 seriously ill and injured residents of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, who were going through the most traumatic time of their lives.”
It started with a ‘Santa Cruise’ when a group of friends went out for a few drinks all dressed as Santa and started raising money while having fun.
“It’s very humbling, there are so many brilliant people here.
“We do this for fun, we do it as a hobby because we really enjoy doing it. It’s created this event which has expanded throughout the whole community.
“We are just two people from a much bigger group and this on behalf of the whole of Burghfield.”
The group is also celebrating its 20th anniversary to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Pride of Reading Awards.
“It’s so humbling to be here, we’re so appreciative.”
