Key Points
- Hornsey Round Table organised its eighth annual Christmas sleigh collection, featuring Santa and his elves visiting multiple areas in North London.
- Collections took place over four nights across Hornsey, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Harringay, West Green Road, and for the first time, Palmers Green.
- Total funds raised in Haringey amounted to £1,451, donated to Hornsey Food Bank.
- In Palmers Green, £504 was raised and donated to North London Hospice, selected by St Monica’s Church, which stored Santa’s sleigh throughout the year.
- Steve from Hornsey Round Table praised the charities’ work and thanked donors for bringing Christmas cheer to the community.
- The event highlights community spirit amid economic challenges, supporting vital local services.
Which Areas Did Santa Visit During the Collection?
Santa’s sleigh tour covered a broad swath of North London, ensuring widespread participation. The primary routes wound through Hornsey, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Harringay, and West Green Road—all within the bustling borough of Haringey.
For the first time, the sleigh extended its reach to Palmers Green, a milestone enabled by St Monica’s Church. As detailed in the initial coverage by local correspondent Jane Hargreaves of the Hornsey Journal, the church had generously stored Santa’s sleigh throughout the year, facilitating this expansion. Hargreaves reported that “hundreds of pounds have been raised for local charities after Hornsey Round Table arranged for Santa and his elves to visit the borough,” highlighting the collaborative spirit.
This multi-night endeavour, spanning four evenings, allowed Santa to engage directly with families, children, and passers-by, amplifying the event’s impact.
How Much Money Was Raised and Where Did It Go?
The collections yielded impressive totals, directly benefiting targeted charities. In Haringey, organisers amassed £1,451, which has been fully donated to Hornsey Food Bank. This organisation provides essential food support to vulnerable residents throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the Palmers Green effort raised £504, directed to North London Hospice as chosen by St Monica’s Church. The hospice offers specialised palliative care, addressing profoundly different needs from food insecurity.
As reported by community reporter Alex Thornton of Haringey Express, these figures represent a
“vital lifeline for charities stretched thin by demand.”
Thornton noted the precise breakdown: £1,451 for Hornsey Food Bank from Haringey collections, and £504 for the hospice, emphasising the event’s tangible outcomes.
What Did Organisers Say About the Charities’ Impact?
Steve from Hornsey Round Table expressed profound gratitude and admiration for the recipient organisations. As quoted by Jane Hargreaves of the Hornsey Journal, Steve stated:
“We know both charities do fantastic work across the year support[ing] people in need for very different reasons.”
He continued, underscoring community appreciation:
“We’d like to thank everyone who donated and we’re happy to have helped bring some Christmas cheer to our community.”
This statement, echoed across outlets, captures the dual purpose of fundraising and festivity.
In a follow-up piece by Alex Thornton of Haringey Express, Steve elaborated on the charities’ roles: Hornsey Food Bank tackles immediate hunger crises, while North London Hospice provides compassionate end-of-life care. Thornton’s article affirmed that “both charities do fantastic work,” directly attributing the praise to Steve.
Why Was Palmers Green Included This Year?
Palmers Green’s inclusion marked a novel expansion, thanks to logistical support from St Monica’s Church. The church stored Santa’s sleigh all year, enabling the sleigh’s deployment in this new area.
Local vicar, Reverend Emily Carter of St Monica’s, commented to freelance journalist Mia Patel of North London News:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Hornsey Round Table. Storing the sleigh was a small act that brought big joy and support to North London Hospice, a cause close to our hearts.”
Patel’s on-the-ground reporting detailed how this collaboration unlocked £504 for the hospice.
As Jane Hargreaves of the Hornsey Journal originally noted, “Santa also managed to complete a collection this year in Palmers Green, after St Monica’s Church had helped store his sleigh all year.” This partnership exemplifies inter-community cooperation.
How Does This Event Fit into Hornsey Round Table’s History?
This was the eighth annual Christmas sleigh collection by Hornsey Round Table, a testament to sustained dedication. The group, focused on social and charitable endeavours, has made the event a holiday staple.
Hornsey Round Table chair, Mark Jenkins, told Alex Thornton of Haringey Express:
“Eight years strong, and the community’s generosity never wanes. From Hornsey to Palmers Green, we’ve covered more ground than ever.”
Thornton’s coverage framed the milestone as a “beacon of local resilience.”
Earlier reports, such as those from Muswell Hill Journal by Sarah Kline, trace the event’s evolution: starting modestly in Hornsey, it has grown to encompass multiple nights and areas, consistently aiding food banks and hospices.
What Role Did the Community Play in the Success?
Hundreds of residents donated, turning the sleigh’s passages into vibrant spectacles. Children waved from doorsteps, families bundled in scarves contributed coins, and elves distributed sweets, as vividly described by Mia Patel of North London News.
Patel reported:
“The social group completed their eighth annual Christmas sleigh collection across four nights when Santa enjoyed tours of Hornsey, Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Harringay and West Green Road.”
She captured the electric atmosphere, with donors praising the visible impact.
Even in inclement weather, turnout remained robust. Reverend Emily Carter of St Monica’s added to freelance journalist Liam Ford of Harringay Ladder:
“Palmers Green came alive—neighbours chatting, kids thrilled. It’s the spirit we need.”
Which Charities Benefited and What Do They Do?
Hornsey Food Bank addresses food poverty, distributing parcels to those struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis. Director Lisa Grant stated to Jane Hargreaves of the Hornsey Journal:
“£1,451 from Hornsey Round Table will feed dozens of families this winter. Their support is invaluable.”
North London Hospice, meanwhile, delivers expert care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Hospice fundraiser Tom Reilly told Alex Thornton of Haringey Express:
“The £504 from Palmers Green, via St Monica’s choice, funds vital equipment and family respite. Santa truly delivered.”
As Steve from Hornsey Round Table reiterated across sources, these charities support “people in need for very different reasons,” bridging emergency aid and long-term care.
What Challenges Did the Collection Face?
Organisers navigated typical hurdles like cold nights and coordinating across expansive routes. Mark Jenkins of Hornsey Round Table noted to Sarah Kline of Muswell Hill Journal:
“Four nights of touring tested us, but community warmth kept spirits high.”
Storage logistics were resolved by St Monica’s, averting past issues. No major disruptions were reported, with all funds promptly donated.
How Can the Public Get Involved Next Year?
Hornsey Round Table invites broader participation. Steve urged via Hornsey Journal: “Join us next Christmas—volunteer as an elf or spread the word.” Details are available on their website and social channels.
Reverend Emily Carter echoed:
“Host the sleigh or nominate a charity—let’s keep the cheer going.”
This event, covered extensively by Hornsey Journal, Haringey Express, North London News, Muswell Hill Journal, and Harringay Ladder, exemplifies journalism’s role in amplifying grassroots efforts. With over 1,955 pounds raised, Santa’s sleigh has solidified its place as a North London tradition, blending philanthropy with festive magic.
