The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) are calling upon the generosity of the public as they begin fundraising for the 45th Annual Pensioners Christmas Party.

Senior Station Officer (SSO) Ian McLeod said Firefighters will be out in the community to raise money for this great cause.

“Armed with the traditional red bucket, we will hit the streets from tomorrow, Thursday 6 November, collecting in Darwin, Palmerston and the rural areas,” SSO McLeod said.

“The Christmas Party is one of the highlights of the year for a lot of Senior Territorians living in and around Darwin, and we can’t put on the event without the generosity of the public.

The inaugural Pensioner’s Christmas Party was held in 1970 and welcomed 30 attendees. This year, I am very pleased to say that over 500 Senior Territorians are expected to attend the festivities.

“The event has become a true Territory occasion and is highly anticipated by the attendees. Some of the people who attend this event look forward to it all year long and we’re only too happy to help put a smile on their faces for the day.

“Our Firefighters donate their own time for fundraising activities and also pitch in on the day to ensure the event is a great success.

“We are hoping that the 45th anniversary of the Aged Pensioners Christmas Party is bigger and better than it has been in previous years, but we need your help. When you see our Firefighters shaking their red buckets, please give generously to ensure we can put on an even bigger show than last year for our Senior Territorians,” said SSO McLeod.

The 2014 Aged Pensioners Christmas Party will be held from 11:00am on Sunday the 14th of December at the Kalymnos Club, Batten Road, Marrara.

Free transport to and from the party is also available for attendees. Bus timetables will appear in the paper on the Wednesday and Saturday prior to the event.