Paul Rouse hands over chocolates to Lt Kenneth Guest of the Reading West Salvation Army Phil Creighton
Children always hope that Santa is in the building at Christmas, but he sent one of his special helpers to Reading on Christmas Day – Elvis.
The town’s famous Elvis impersonator, aka Paul Rouse, became Santa’s little helper as he delivered in chocolates into the Christmas Day event for people who would otherwise be on their own, held at the Salvation Army’s Reading West HQ in Oxford Road.
Paul, who is a regular at the town’s Pride of Reading awards, had organised a fundraising event in November. Held at the Hilton Hotel on November 29, it saw him team up with Elvis Tribute band Red Alert and The Passionettes. Guests also enjoyed a three-course meal.
The event was held for charity, with most of the funds going to BIBS (Babies in Buscot) at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. But they raised more than expected, so generous Paul decided to help the disadvantaged this Christmas by making donations to charities, including ReadiFood and the Salvation Army.
He dropped in to the Reading West Salvation Army with 80 bars of chocolate while the carol singing was taking place.
He said: “We’ve raised a lot of money a show we did in Reading – we raised a lot more than we thought we would so we brought some chocolates over for the guests having dinner here.
“I’ve been always been very fortunate on Christmas Day so I thought it’s nice to give something to those who are less fortunate.”
Paul is now planning to perform in another fundraising show – it will take place on Saturday, May 30 at The Hexagon. Tickets cost £22 or £24 and can be booked by logging on to the Reading Arts website.
For more on Paul’s act, log on to his website.
