Santa Sleigh returns to bring Christmas cheer to Coatbridge and Airdrie
December 9, 2022
After two years off due to Covid, Scott Glendinning, parts advisor at Molson Finlay Scotlands Glasgow Depot, is back in his Santa suit and, along with his team of helpers, delighting people of all ages with his touring sleigh.
Scott and the rest of the team from XACT, a fundraising organisation affiliated to the Round Table, have a years-long tradition of touring local communities in the lead up to Christmas, raising money for local causes, often focusing on the smaller, less well-known organisations who perhaps can’t access other kinds of grants. For 60 years, it’s been an annual tradition, and over the last 16 years, in its current format, it has raised over £150,000 for local causes.
This year, though, there is a shift in emphasis, and rather than focusing on asking for donations, it is all about bringing much-needed Christmas cheer and putting smiles on the faces of all who come out to see Santa on his musical sleigh. And according to Scott, who has been promoted from Elf to Santa this year, it’s not just the kids. “The best thing about this annual festive event is just how many people come out to see us. We draw huge crowds. Everyone loves the sight of Father Christmas – for many people, it marks the moment when they first start to feel properly Christmassy. There are, of course, loads of kids, but we meet people of all ages across our community – including a lady who was celebrating her 104th birthday and was delighted to get a hug from Santa. This year more than ever it’s about spreading Christmas cheer and giving kids the chance to meet Santa.”
XACT has raised money for many good causes in and around the Coatbridge and Airdrie area, at Christmas and with other events throughout the year. “There are many local groups and causes who really need funds to continue to function, so we’re still hoping to raise a good amount of money to support them. We just don’t want to place pressure on people who come to see us, especially in the current difficult economic times,” says Scott. “Having said that, we still hope to raise some good funds, and anyone reading this can also donate through our GoFundMe page here – https://gofund.me/1ac17dbb.” The custom-fitted trailer turned sleigh, which was built by the group themselves, wrapped and decorated with festive lights and blasting Christmas tunes, will be making its way around the local community every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evening until 22nd December evening, following routes that are shared on social media including Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/XACTSanta, and with the option to track Santa’s progress live here https://glympse.com/!santaxact2022
