FIRE Service staff from across Essex have raised £4,263 for two local charities, SAVS and NEST, helping to make Christmas brighter for children, families and vulnerable people in local communities.

The funds were raised in just two months after staff rallied together to hold charity car washes, bake sales and fundraising events across Essex throughout November and December.

In addition to the financial support, firefighters and staff also donated three boxes of new toys and essential items to be gifted to families in need.

The total raised included £1,741.50 in cash donated to both SAVS and NEST, £165 donated online to the each of the two charities, £15 donated directly online, with a further £450 donated locally in Epping.

The fundraising effort was supported by teams from Colchester Red Watch, Chelmsford Red Watch, Rayleigh White Watch, Basildon Green Watch, Epping Fire Station, Waltham Abbey Fire Station, Ongar Fire Station and cadet units at Orsett, Clacton and Baddow, alongside cadet instructors, bakers at Kelvedon Park, Kay Shelley and Jade Robinson in Learning and Development, who provided cakes for events.

Group Manager Scott Ford thanked everyone involved, saying:

“I want to thank all our firefighters, staff, cadets and supporters for their incredible efforts. The difference this money will make this Christmas is tremendous, and it shows what we can achieve together as Essex Fire.”

SAVS, an independent charity based in Southend which supports people experiencing poverty, loneliness and isolation, welcomed the donation and praised the partnership with the fire service.

Anthony Quinn, CEO of SAVs said:

“We are really delighted to be part of this and incredibly pleased to be working with one of the most trusted organisations in the community.

“This support will help children and families who don’t always have access to everyday essentials, and the impact this money will have this Christmas will be truly meaningful.”

The funds donated to SAVS will go directly towards supporting families and children across the community during the festive period.

NEST, a local charity based in Tendring, founded in 2012 and run by four local grandfathers, also benefitted from the fundraising. The charity began as a single appeal to help three families in Colchester and raised £2,000 in just 24 hours — supporting a further 23 families as a result.

Now in it’s 13th year, NEST supports families by providing one day free from poverty, making sure families can access food, toys, essential toiletries and heating.

This Christmas, the charity is helping 100 families in Harwich and Colchester, providing each child with three presents, as well as meals, snacks, toiletries, sanitary products, nappies, and £30 towards gas and electricity costs. It costs £150 to support each family.

Safeguarding Officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service Les Nicoll is one of the founders of NEST, he said:

“Thank you for considering us as a charity to support and for recognising everyone who has chipped in to help make Christmas better for local families. On behalf of the families we support, we are incredibly grateful.”

The fundraising highlights the strong sense of community within Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and the shared commitment to supporting people when they need it most – not just in emergencies, but in everyday life.