Bradford residents were treated to breakfast with the man in the red suit—Santa Claus, over the weekend at the Bradford Community Centre.
Early on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 3, dozens of families came out for a hot meal and were met by jolly old Saint Nick. The meet-and-greet was put on by Bradford Lions Club, which has been providing this opportunity for families for eight years. Admission was $5 for adults, and kids were free if they provided a non-perishable food item, to which all donations and money have been given to the food bank in the spirit of the holiday season. In return for their donations, guests were served by Lions Club members a selection of scrambled eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, and sausages, with a selection of juice, milk, or coffee. Not a single item went to waste; any leftover food or drink that wasn’t cooked or served was also donated to the food bank.
Jim Slykhuis, president of Bradford Lions Club, explains, “we make nothing doing this; it’s just a service to the community.” A fitting statement for the president of a club whose motto is “we serve.”
Children were in awe as Santa entered the room, and each got a few minutes to speak with him about what presents they want and what they are grateful for. In addition to meeting Santa, families were given the opportunity to take a photo with him by a Christmas tree.
Jennifer Pegg, past president of Bradford Lions Club, says, “On top of the event being a great way to collect donations, it’s also a fun and inexpensive way for parents to treat their kids and meet Santa Claus.”
Pegg makes a valid point considering most venues, especially shopping centres, have increased their prices and wait times for photos with Santa, which can become challenging with children. Meanwhile, at this breakfast, kids were given colouring books to keep themselves occupied until their turn with Santa came up.
What goes into booking Santa Claus so close to Christmas? Slykhuis says, “we’re very fortunate because we have an “in” with Santa, and we make sure to book him well in advance.”
Pegg adds, “and he’s very accommodating because we’re on the nice list.”
Bradford Lions Club has kept busy this time of year as they manage an ongoing weekly initiative called Catch the Ace, where people are invited to purchase a ticket and choose an envelope, one of which holds the progressive jackpot. Tickets are only $5, and the current jackpot is about $4,000. The odds increase every week, so it might be a good idea to check it out. A portion of the proceeds will go towards one or more of the programs offered by the Bradford Lions, including Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Henderson Park Fieldhouse, Helping Hands Food Bank, Community Dinners, Out of the Cold Cafe, Lions Camps or The Lions Foundation of Guide Dogs.
Go to catchtheacebradfordlions.ca for more information or to participate.
