Santa Claus has thrown his considerable weight behind two campaigns to make roads safer.
In Ireland, all primary schools pupils in Co. Mayo are to receive Christmas cards featuring the man himself taking due care and attention before setting out on his epic annual voyage. The cards can be sent on to friends and family to spread the road safety message.
“It’s vitally important that we educate our young children about the potential dangers on our roads,” said Noel Gibbons, Mayo’s RSO. “We would like to thank Santa for helping us to get this vital message out there.”
And Santa also has a special Christmas message for visitors to his Grotto at Birkacre Garden Centre, Chorley.
Mother of two Caroline Winstanley is concerned about young children’s safety near roads, and not buckling up properly in cars. She said: “The thought of a child getting seriously hurt just before Christmas is unbearable. I wanted to do something about it - and the person they will really listen to is Father Christmas!”
Caroline contacted Birkacre Garden Centre which happily agreed to accommodate Santa and The Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety has provided road safety activity books, colouring sheets and stickers and reflectors for school bags and coats. Billy Bee, The Partnership’s mascot, has also been recruited as Santa’s ‘little helper’.
Linda Sanderson, communications manager for the Partnership, said: “We applaud Caroline for her excellent lateral thinking and positive ‘can do’ attitude towards making a difference.”
