VolksMagic Presents ...
We Have A Winner!
Shortly after 9pm on Friday 18th December, the Santa's a Gangster crew made their way to the Black Country Radio HQ for the herbie prize draw. This years lucky winner was drawn at random by Garry Aulton who donated this years project car, and the keys to the car are going to Paul Holmes and to say he was shocked is a bit of an understatement. If you want to see the full interview, please head over to the Black Country Radio Facebook page. Just because the draw is over though, does not mean that you can't still help. We are still accepting toy donations or cash donations via Paypal. Thank you, Merry Christmas and see you next year!
Santa's A Gangster
Ok, let me explain how it all started; It is such a simple concept really and all started from one boy and one girl toy! Each year my wife and I would buy a couple of toys and then donate them to whoever was collecting that year. One year it was BRMB, the next it was West Brom building society and so on. Then, my wife’s workplace held a collection for a local family centre, so we joined in.
I mentioned this at work (VolksMagic), and everyone wanted to donate, so in came the gifts, and then a few more and then even more as the word spread via family, friends, and our work contacts. Boo Lewis and his fantastic VW crew then came on board and started collecting for us and held an auction in a local pub which was a huge success.
We decided to make it a regular thing and Santa’s A Gangster was born! Yes, I know it’s an unusual name, but it suits everyone involved with the project. Our collections come from far and wide and encompasses the VW community. A few years later, I was introduced to Operation Santa, where I instantly felt the warmth connection and passion from Eileen Fielding and her colleagues. We put our heads together and have worked hard to make it what it is today.
The help and support along the way has been amazing and each year, we launch the event at the VDubs in the Valley show, which is owned and operated by Garry Beerbuz Aulton and his wife Hayley. Not only do they host a Christmas party for us, but they also run a reverse Santa (where you bring the gifts to fill the raffle car) and auction off a host of gifts that are donated by their many generous traders.
As it has grown, Gary and Bill became ambassadors to Santa’s A Gangster and this year we have welcomed Lee Ashbourne to the team who is going to be dealing with the Techie side of things whilst ensuring his WVVW group are kept busy collecting toys and raising essential funds. None of this would be possible without you though, and we welcome you all, regardless of your reason; our network is nothing without you!
A penny or a pound, a bar of soap or a pallet of shower gel; we have had it all and believe me every single donation makes a difference. We will be keeping this site updated over the coming weeks and months, adding details of drop-off points for donations, special fund-raising events and so much more, so make sure you keep on popping back!
If you would like to donate but are concerned about going out due to current restrictions, please do not worry as you can use Amazon Drop to ship gifts direct to our door at VolksMagic. Alternatively, you can make a cash donation via PayPal and ask us to choose a gift for you; it really is that simple! We are NOT going to let COVID beat us!
As always, this year’s raffle will be held at the Crosswells Pub on Whyley Walk in Oldbury, where Paul and Tina Archer always make us welcome. Obviously, this is once again subject to change depending on any lockdown restrictions are in place and what Tier we are operating under, but have no fear, we’ll find a way to make it work!
2020 is going to be our toughest year yet, but Santa’s a Gangster and he is determined to make this year a success.
Thanks in advance - Magic & Co.
The man behind the madness - Lee Southerton
Taking part ....
Please note though, if you are ordering online, you must enclose your contact details and include a note saying, “Raffle Tickets”. This will enable us to contact you with ticket numbers, ensuring you are included in the draw and of course, let you know if you’re the winner!
If however you would simply like to make a cash donation, enabling us to go out and purchase gifts for underprivileged children, simply follow the same link to our PayPal page but attach a note saying “Donation” instead.
Sadly, we cannot be held responsible If you do not include your contact details, so any donations coming through with no note attached will automatically be classed as a cash donation; we hope you understand that this is the only way we can operate fairly.
Our Wish List (New Items Only, please)
In addition to these items, we are also asking for donations of toiletry sets for teens, fleecy blankets to snuggle under and wrapping paper. All these items can be dropped off at one of our local collection points or at VolksMagic in Oldbury.
111a Park Ln
Oldbury
B69 4LP
Alternatively, you may find it easier to order directly from Amazon, asking them to deliver to VolksMagic for you!
Who are VolksMagic?
VolksMagic are an established and well respected VW based restoration and custom workshop based in Oldbury, West Midlands, near junction 2 of the M5 motorway.
V Dubs in the valley is Bridgnorth's VW show, combining live music, stunning dubs and beautiful scooters with that chilled out family vibe of a traditional VW show.
Jim Cousins was one of Santa's a Gangster's biggest supporters and whilst he is sadly no longer with us, his spirit rides on in everything we do and he will neve be forgotten.
Santa’s a Gangster does amazing work for charity, not only collecting toys to ensure everyone has a gift to open on Christmas morning but also raising funds for less fortunate kids. 2020 continues to be a challenging year, but we mever back down to a challenge. We appreciate that money is tight, so not everyone will be able to help financially, but you can still be a part of the success by sharing social media posts and helping us spread the word.
