A city high-flyer has been amusing bleary-eyed London commuters by travelling to and from work every day – dressed as an elf.
Jon Douglas, 29, has spent the last week making his twice-daily hour-long commute from Gillingham, Kent, to Cannon Street, London, dressed as Santa’s little helper.
The business development consultant swapped his suit for the festive costume to raise money for a school in a poverty-stricken area of South Africa.
His colourful outfit has drawn hundreds of laughs a day from grey-suited Londoners making their way to work on the Tube.
Initially Jon only dressed as an elf for his commute – boarding the 7.04am train from Gillingham to Victoria, then switching to the Circle line to his office in the City.
He would then change into his suit before making the switch back for the journey home.
But Jon’s colleagues at internet discount selling giant Goupon were so taken with his fancy dress he has agreed to keep it on all day every day – until Christmas.
Jon said: “Seeing me dressed as an elf gives people a smile on their way to work, I get all the usual Christmas banter.
“Commuters will ask me why I’m not in the North pole helping to make presents, that sort of thing.
“You do get some people who look at you like it is an every day occurences which is funny in itself but everyone has been great at digging deep and giving to the cause.
“On the train I stick out a mile – I sit there in bright red and green and I’m surrounded by serious city types in their grey suits, it is quite the contrast.
“I keep the outfit on in the office too. It keeps everyone in high spirits and makes people laugh which is what this time of year is all about.
“I don’t mind making a fool of myself if it can help these children, particularly at Christmas.
“I really don’t mind because it’s for such a good cause.”
Commuter Jon Douglas, who dressed as Father Christmas last year to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation, is well on the way to reaching his £1,000 goal.
Since he started his Elf campaign on December 10, he has collected £806, raising £400 on the first day.
Today is his last day in the office but the dedicated fundraiser has vowed to keep wearing his get-up until Christmas.
He is raising money for Friends of Africa Child Education (Face), which has been set up by a group of friends in Kent to build a school on the outskirts of Cape Town.
Face spokesman and Rochester businessman Nick Jenkins said: “Jon has a great sense of humour and we are thrilled he is helping us raise funds in this way.
“Building this school is so important because education is the best way out of poverty for these children.
“We hope as many people as possible will make donations and help us reach our £30,000 target.”
To make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/JONNYD.
