It’s a holiday tradition and a major fundraiser for the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
When children at Metropolis at Metrotown sit in Santa’s lap for a photo and tell the man in red what they want for Christmas, they are helping other children’s wishes come true.
Every year, Metropolis at Metrotown hosts Santa’s Castle, where children can have their picture taken with Santa for a minimum donation of $2. The proceeds go to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, which provides toys to children from low-income families and hampers to seniors.
“It’s fun. It’s a tradition you don’t mess with much,” said Anne Blaine, manager of special events at Metropolis at Metrotown.
This year, the mall has gone digital, so people can have their photos emailed to them, and so far, the service has been in high demand. In the first three days, there were 2,249 pictures taken with Santa. Last year, the mall raised $42,000 and shot 19,000 photos. According to Blaine, Metropolis has raised nearly $500,000 over 21 years – all for the bureau. Once the money is collected, Burnaby resident Dave Kettler volunteers to count the cash.
“It’s just something to do. I look forward to doing it very year. It just puts me in the Christmas mood, I guess,” he said, with a laugh. “I look forward to it every Christmas. You just want to do it.”
Santa’s Castle is in the Grand Court, near Toys “R” Us, and is open Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., then 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. On Sunday, opening hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 3 to 6 p.m.
Since there is only one Santa, lineups can be long, and Blaine suggests coming early in the week and earlier in the day. The photos will be available till Dec. 24.
“Please don’t wait till then, because it’s not pretty,” Blaine added.
For more on the Christmas Bureau, go to www.burnabycommunityconnections.com.
