Rotary Santa's beard shave for charity - with a special request
For more years than he cares to remember, a Rotary Santa concludes his seasonal commitment with a beard shave in support of a local charity.
Rotarian Peter Love, a long-standing member of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club, traditionally grows his beard in readiness for the club’s Santa engagements, particularly for those featuring its sleigh.
The beard shave, which is strongly supported by the Rotary club, has over the years raised many thousands of pounds for charity and Peter said today that a three figure donation would once again benefit a local charity - or charities.
“We would like to hear from charities who feel this money would make a difference to their work,” said Peter. “The only proviso we would make is that the recipient – or recipients – would offer Rotary a helping hand at one of its fundraising events this year.
“We are continually looking for new members and at the same time we fully appreciate extra pairs of hands when we are fundraising.
“So that is the one proviso we would make to charities who might wish to apply.
“If you are able to support us, there is money in it for you.”
Said club president David Morris: “I am requesting members to consider asking all our fundraising beneficiaries to become ‘Rotary Supporters’ prior to our giving them any future cash.
“As part of this I would like to ask all of them to commit to giving us a few hours help every Christmas with the Santa sleigh – asking them to allocate one or two people to help us out, either in front of the supermarkets or out on the community runs.
“They do appear to be a bit younger and fitter than some of us, and I really don't see any reason as to why they couldn't help out. Even if it's only for a two-hour stint, then that would surely make our Santa rota organiser’s life, with the crafting of the rota, a little easier.”
Peter’s beard shave will once again be performed by hairdresser Matt Glover of Risdon’s Barber Shop at Shrewsbury Market Hall in the presence of fellow Rotarians.
Said Matt: “We really admire Peter for his dedication in growing the beard to such a great length for fundraising and having it shaved off for charity. So it is our pleasure once again to be able to assist with the shave off.”
Peter added: “It is my estimate that the latest beard has grown longer than any of the previous ones which is most surprising.”
Charities – as well as anyone interested in becoming a member – can contact gdmw@hotmail.co.uk
