PADDLEBOARDS really are the craze sweeping North Berwick; witches were spotted in the Firth of Forth at Hallowe’en, and then a fleet of Santas showed up at the weekend, singing Jingle Bells while they paddled.
The paddleboarding pranksters were not just in it for the fun, though – water-loving witch Emma Papakyriakou put out the call for festive folk to join her on the waves in seasonal garb to raise money for the community centre’s Christmas Cheer campaign, via online fundraiser Dave McGregor.
Dave said: “Every year, the Facebook North Berwick News & Views page does something for the community and this year we chose the Christmas Cheer campaign.”
The campaign provides families with food and gifts for children; presents are tailored to the age of the youngster and gifted along with a Jingle Bag of tinned foods.
This year, the community centre is also providing families with a fresh turkey and vegetables.
Dave, who lives with his family on Rhodes Park, added: “We originally thought we’d try to raise £2,000, thinking we’d struggle to get that, but we started the fund in October and got nearly £2,000 in the first week.
“Eventually we went for £5,000 and had started to struggle last week but after the paddle, loads of donations came in.”
Emma said: “We did the witchy paddle in October for Reverse Rett and raised quite a bit of money, so I said to Dave if he needed a boost just let us know.
“So we did it and it helped to push the amount up and it put a smile on everyone’s face.
“Because I put out the call online, there were a few people I didn’t know, so it was really lovely to meet some new faces.
“We were singing Jingle Bells and various carols on the water.
“Everyone had a really nice time and I could see it being an annual thing.”
Dave added: “From March, when we first went into lockdown, the community has done a great job of coming together, helping neighbours.
“Come December, I thought we might not make that much money but the donations have been amazing, they’re all wanting to look out for other people and help those less fortunate than themselves.”
To donate to the community centre Christmas Cheer campaign, go to uk.gofundme.com/f/py6gw6-christmas-cheer
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