Metropolis at Metrotown hopes to raise $55,000 for the Burnaby Christmas Bureau this year through its photos with Santa program.
There’s a minimum $2 donation for a picture with Saint Nick, who flew in from the North Pole on Nov. 18 and will be staying until Christmas Eve.
“Because absolutely every penny that people put in that bin goes to the charity, we really hope people will give more than that,” said marketing coordinator Judy Black, noting people usually do.
Last year, the mall raised more than $51,000 for the Christmas Bureau. That money provided holiday gifts and meals to 3,574 low-income families and helped about 2,000 children and seniors.
“Metropolis at Metrotown’s photos with Santa is a holiday tradition that embodies the spirit of the season,” said Stephen D’Souza, executive director of Burnaby Community Services, in a press release. “By bringing your child to see Santa, you are helping another family make their child’s wishes come true with a much-appreciated donation.”
Black has some tips for anyone wanting to bring their wee ones for a visit with the jolly old man.
“Bring your kids this month, as in November, instead of December. It’s really crazy the closer we get to Christmas,” she said, suggesting the earlier in the day, the better. “Basically if you’re able to be in line just before he’s about to start, that’s the ideal time.”
Black noted at peak times, there could be a wait as long as one-and-a-half hours. Should that happen, she said it’s best to sign up for SMS text reminders. Visitors still must stand in line to register, but they can go off and do some shopping while they wait.
“(It) will tell them when they can come back and (it) gives them a window of time,” Black said.
There’s also Metropolis at Metrotown’s Winter Wonderland set to get lost in. It includes a 70-foot tree and light curtain.
“It’s multiple strings of these LED lights that come down and the interactive part is kind of cool. It’s controlled by an iPad. You can actually change the design of the snowflakes that come down,” added Black.
Santa’s hours are as follows: Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. On Sundays in November, Santa is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m. On Sundays in December, he’s there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; and on Christmas Eve, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
He can found in the grand court (lower level).
