Rotary returns Santa to The Gap

Early each December the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap brings Christmas music to the streets of St John’s Wood and The Gap when they escort Santa and his sleigh on an early visit to the area.

Local residents look forward to the sleigh’s visit as evidenced by their generous donations to Santa’s helpers.

Children love the chance to talk to Santa with Christmas looming so large in their minds and many parents arrange street parties to coincide with the sleigh’s visit so that can happen..

It is the community support that makes the sleigh possible. Eagers Holden supply the towing vehicle, while the trailer carrying the sleigh is loaned by a family in Ferny Grove.Safety jackets for Santa’s helpers are loaned by Queensland Rail.

Organiser, Mark Dawson, said the Santa Sleigh is a major club project involving between 15 and 20 people each night. “The Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap was pleased to take over the organisation of the Santa Sleigh in 1996 and keep alive a tradition that was stared in 1978 by Apex,” he said. “Monies raised are dedicated to local community charities,” Mark said.

In 2007, the Santa Sleigh has cruised the streets of The Gap for nine nights, from Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th December.

Ashgrove/The Gap Rotary Club is greatful for the help community-minded people like you provide, to keep the Sleigh successful. It is a lot of fun for all concerned, and raises some very useful funds for community projects. 

So, if you (and/or family members aged 15 or over) enjoy a bit of a walk, and can be available from 5.45pm till 8.45pm on any one or more nights during that period, your assistance in 2009 would be very welcome.

Safety is always our greatest concern, and it is important that all helpers are identified and briefed well in advance.

If you would like to be involved, please contact us.