The countdown to Christmas in Kenilworth brings an opportunity to win prizes while supporting local charities, thanks again to the town’s Rotarians.
Kenilworth Rotary Club’s Advent Calendar is now on sale – and hiding behind its doors are 120 prizes worth a total of £6,500!
Each calendar has a unique number and, on each day from December 1st, reveals five prizes, including for one lucky winner, the headline prize of a ‘money-can’t-buy’ ride in a De Lorean sports car. There are also meals, jewellery, vouchers and family passes up for grabs, among other things.
Winners are announced on their dedicated website which can be easily accessed by scanning a QR code on the back of the calendar or via HERE or via the Kenilworth Rotary Club website HERE.
The winner can follow the instructions on the back of the calendar or on the website to email regarding their prize. The website also gives the option to buy a virtual calendar.
The proceeds will allow donations of £2,000 to each of six local charities – Myton Hospice, Waverley Centre, Kenilworth Centre, Compassionate Kenilworth, Talisman Theatre Youth Group and Priory Theatre Youth Initiative. The Rotary Club hopes to top last year’s 3,500 calendars sold, raising over £17,000.
The front cover was designed by Aimi Monk, as selected as the winning entry from A-level graphic design students at Kenilworth School.
The project was started by the late Malcolm Matthews, who ran it in 2022 and 2023 before handing over to Steve Krikler last year.
Steve said: “We have managed to recruit several volunteers to supplement the club members in manning the sales stalls, in Talisman Square and outside Robert Dyas. We also go round various groups, pubs etc. in the evenings and we visit other local Rotary Clubs with a view to selling some more calendars.
“It does require a huge effort, building up all year to a crescendo of sales in November, then gradually calming down as the prizes are claimed through December and on into the New Year.
“We do ask people to submit their claims by the end of February, and we always have a few prizes left unclaimed. In January, we hold a thank-you party to which the prize donors and sales volunteers are invited and we present awards to the businesses who sponsor the calendar and to the charities who are the recipients of our pledged donations.
“It is hard work, but all in a good cause so we feel it is worth the effort.”
