It’s a tradition bringing smiles, joy and cheer to hundreds of families in the run up to Christmas. But the volunteers behind Radcliffe Rotary Santa Sleigh run say they have been forced to endure ‘rude or inappropriate comments about their efforts’.
It’s a tradition bringing smiles, joy and cheer to hundreds of families in the run up to Christmas. But the volunteers behind Radcliffe Rotary Santa Sleigh run say they have been forced to endure ‘rude or inappropriate comments about their efforts’.
The annual event tours the streets of the town on December evenings, giving excited children an early glimpse of Father Christmas, with his eager helpers and reindeer, among a colourful, festively lit display.
However, this year the group have said disheartened volunteers, who give up their time to arrange the festivities, have been the subject of negative comments posted on social media.
The sleigh runs this month are set to visit 15 of the 16 areas in Radcliffe, an effort described by organisers as ‘a significant undertaking for a fully volunteer-led team’. And during recent foul weather, last minute decisions were made to adjust previously published routes.
This decision, organisers say, prompted an outpouring of abuse aimed at those behind the tradition.
Posting on their Facebook page, a spokesperson for Rotary Radcliffe, said: “It is with much sadness that we write this post.
“We would like to remind everyone that we are not a business, everything is given freely, with kindness and goodwill. Because of this, it is especially disheartening for our volunteers to read rude or inappropriate comments about their efforts on Facebook.
“We truly understand how upsetting it can be when children don’t get to see Santa, and we never want to disappoint anyone. However, the health and wellbeing of the volunteers who bring the sleigh out each night must always be our primary concern.
“Sometimes this means we have to make difficult decisions to finish early or adjust a route, even when we know it may cause disappointment.”
The post added: “We absolutely respect everyone’s right to share their feedback, including negative feedback — but we kindly ask that it is shared
respectfully and with appropriate language. Our volunteers deserve to feel safe and supported while they are giving their time to the community.
“Moving forward, it may become necessary for Rotary Radcliffe to reduce the number of nights we operate. “Thank you to everyone who continues to support us with kindness and understanding. It means more than you know.”
The remaining dates for the sleigh run will see it pass through the Ainsworth Road West area this evening (December 15) before touring the Sparking Clog area on December 16.
The remaining dates are December 17 (Bury Road), December 18 (Bradley Fold), December 19 (Ainsworth village).
The final two Santa runs will be December 22 (Moss Shaw Estate) and December 23 (Harper Fold estate). The sleigh run volunteers have enjoyed a wave of support since publishing the ‘polite notice’ at the weekend.
One mum posted: “It’s shameful entitled parents feel the need to throw a tantrum on social media over a free charitable event. “There are many paid options they could seek out.
“We enjoy seeing Santa and helpers coming around. We don’t always catch them, but when we do it is lovely.”
Another support, said: “Without the kindness of the volunteers the children of Radcliffe would not have this magical experience. “My children are older now and now I get to spend this magical experience with my grandchildren.
“Such a sad read that people are being unkind to the kindness of others.
“Great job Radcliffe Rotary Club. You are all truly amazing, stay safe on your journeys.”
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