Woodthorpe Wonderland

Monday night saw a modest but very hardy crew of five GoodGymmers meeting up with the Rotary Club of York Ainsty and Holly (Christmassy name, very appropriate!) from York Mind to help drum up excitement for the visit of Santa on his sleigh, and importantly funds for York Mind.

There was some great festive attire on show including tinsel, tights and hats, but Lucy stole the show with her Christmas lights illuminating her GoodGym t-shirt! Top work from Paul, Lionel, Emily and Jane too.

After a quick briefing on what to do (erm... be festive, knock on doors, collect money!) we were also told how to use the brand new contactless card payment machines that York Mind now have - another easy way to donate! After that strenuous technology lesson we were on our way, knocking on doors around Woodthorpe and greeting families who'd come out to catch a glimpse of the Big Man on his sleigh.

Two and a half hours on our feet in the chilly weather later, 6.7km completed, we were done. We were all really impressed with the generosity of people, including a couple of people who kindly donated their very heavy, entire copper jars. It was really kind of people to give so much. The kids all loved Santa too, including at one house where the older brother was instructed to wake up his younger sisters from bed to get outside! That shows how much this kind of thing means to the young ones.