There was something big going on in Burnaby on Nov. 19 - and not just the civic election.
The Big Man in Red arrived at Metropolis at Metrotown, where he'll be visiting with children and posing for photos until Christmas Eve.
The annual Santa program, which kicked off on Saturday, is one of the main fundraising events for the Burnaby Christmas Bureau - all photos are by donation, and all donations go right to the bureau.
"The Santa photos is a Christmas tradition that means so much to everyone involved - it's fantastic for the families who come, Santa is great, that Christmas feeling permeates the mall," says bureau executive director Stephen D'Souza.
"It's a massive contribution for us," he said.
Artie Chumpol with Metropolis notes that between 14,000 and 16,000 participants come to the Santa photos each year, resulting in about $30,000 raised each year.
"Last year was our most successful season and we were able to raise $37,000, all of which goes to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau," she said.
She said that the program has become an annual tradition for many families who return each year to "meet the man of the season and create lasting memories."
Additionally, it allows them to help out with a local organization.
"We want to support (the bureau) and the important work they do in the community," she said.
Santa will be holding court in his castle Mondays to Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. On Christmas Eve, photos end at 5 p.m.
Helping out
Aside from the photo program, there are a number of ways to help the bureau this year, including:
- Financial donations: donate online at the bureau's website at http://burnabycommunityconnections.com; send a cheque to 204-2101 Holdom Ave., Burnaby, B.C., V5B 0A4; donate by credit card by phone at 604-299-5778; drop off a cash or cheque donation at the bureau's new temporary location at Metropolis at Metrotown, on the upper level near Winners, in Unit E8.
- Participate in the Angel Wall program: this program is a toy drive program held by schools, community groups or local businesses. The bureau provides decorative angel themed cards with the gender and age of a child written on each one, as well as posters that can be used to encourage participation. Individual participants then choose an angel, purchase a toy for the appropriate age and gender and bring the gift back to the organization for drop-off at the bureau's toy room.
- Sponsor a family: the Burnaby Christmas Bureau matches families with a group that provide them with a food hamper and gifts. These groups can include companies, religious groups, school groups, families, or individuals. The sponsor has direct contact with the family.
For more information about the bureau, including information about registration (running until Dec. 1) see http://burnabycommunityconnections.com.
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