ENNISKILLEN Rotarians have once again been demonstrating ‘Rotary opens opportunities’ – the Rotary international theme for 2020/21 – as they helped set the scene for Christmas this year.

Enniskillen Rotary Club’s Santa Mobile – a familiar sight in the run-up to Christmas – has once again hit the road, marking its 20th year.

The colourful vehicle, which has become one of the traditional sights and sounds of the festive season in Fermanagh, has once again received its starting orders for its annual seasonal travels.

Since it was first launched on December 7, 2000, the Rotary Santa Mobile – with the help of Santa Claus, his reindeer and elves – has raised more than £90,000 for charitable causes in Fermanagh.

Enniskillen Rotarians are deeply appreciative of the public’s generosity over the years to the venture, and they highlight that the money raised locally in the collections goes to local charities and causes in Fermanagh.

To mark its recent launch, donations were presented to representatives of St. Vincent de Paul, and The Salvation Army.

A successful annual initiative, it was given its traditional send-off by current President, Heather Ellis.

On behalf of the club, she extends her thanks to the public for its backing and assisting the club to achieve its goals in supporting local causes.

Speaking in the run-up to Christmas, Heather added that she and her fellow Rotarians greatly value the wide range of businesses in the local community and encourage people to continue to support them.

The brightly-coloured vehicle with Santa Claus on board can be spotted in Enniskillen and Irvinestown, bringing Christmas cheer during the count-down to the big day.

The dates include Enniskillen this Friday, December 18 and Monday, December 21 (following its recent visit on Saturday, December 12), also also Irvinestown on Tuesday, December 22.

Meanwhile, the Santa Mobile’s recent launch day on December 7 saw Enniskillen Rotary Club and its President bring the festive vehicle to Willowbridge School in Enniskillen, where there was a warm welcome for Santa Claus.

The cheery figure presented the pupils with selection boxes as part of the club’s annual kids’ day out initiative, which took a different format this year.

Appreciation

The pre-Christmas treat – when the children came outside to greet their special guest – was acknowledged by Ms. Bernie Cornyn, acting Willowbridge Principal, who expressed their appreciation to the Enniskillen Rotarians.

She also thanked the club for providing funding this year for the pantomime, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, to be watched remotely at the school.

Ms Cornyn paid tribute to the Rotary Club for the support it gives to the school, and added: “The entire school will have the opportunity to watch the pantomime online in each class.”

Another recently launched venture for the Enniskillen Rotarians is their recycled cycle Christmas tree in Enniskillen which is set to sparkle over the festive season.

Heather said: “We continue to support the School Bikes Africa Rotary Ireland project,” as she also took the opportunity to wish all in the community a Happy Christmas.