Ilford firefighters are hoping to raise thousands of pounds over Christmas to bring some festive cheer to ill children.
Crew manager Jim Jobson was with colleagues collecting donations outside The Exchange, in Ilford High Road, on Sunday.
He said: “We collect money every year and look for worthy charities.
“It’s always for children particularly sick children.
“We have already got toys and games for the children’s Accident and Emergency at King George Hospital to keep the kids amused while they wait.”
Donations raised this year have also helped the British Heart Foundation, The Bridge School for children with learning disabilities, in Islington, and Frenford Clubs, in Ilford.
Fundraising is a long-held tradition for Ilford Blue Watch, who have raised tens of thousands of pounds for local charities over the years.
In the summer around �4,000 was raised with a round-England cycle ride and last month, �500 went towards the fight against testicular and prostate cancer after firefighters grew moustaches for Movember.
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