Christmas charity events cancelled due to Covid-19

Many Christmas charity events in the South East have been forced to be cancelled due to increasing Covid-19 rates in the area. The annual boxing day dip has been cancelled due to fears over mass gatherings. Charities have to find other ways to raise money this Christmas as the pandemic continues to keep people and families apart.

The boxing day dip is held every year and allows those involved to raise money for their chosen charity by dressing up and running into the cold temperatures of the sea. Unfortunately, this year, the event is unable to go ahead due to the large crowds it usually attracts and rising coronavirus cases.

Boxing day dip event held in Folkestone in 2016

University student Roland Maryniak, 20, regularly gets involved with numerous charity events. He is currently fundraising for Marie Curie, however, coronavirus has made this challenging as fundraising in high streets is not permitted and his fundraising idea of taking part in the Boxing Day dip was cancelled.

Mr Maryniak has raised all of his money so far via online donations. He said: “I ran 10K for 10 days and raised over £300 by asking for donations through social media. I still have a long way to go before I hit the £990 target, it is proving challenging to do as I am unable to mix and interact with people.”

Charities are pledging for people to support them this Christmas and find alternative ways to help those in need.