There was no pouting, shouting or crying at the Ucluelet Community Centre on Saturday as Santa Claus arrived to enjoy a pancake breakfast and hear what the community’s kids are hoping to receive from him this year.
Over 200 people attended the town’s popular annual ‘Breakfast with Santa’ event, which raised funds for the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce and Ucluelet Children’s Centre.
“It’s community,” Lara Kemps of the Ucluelet Chamber told the Westerly News at the event. “It’s the season to get together and to socialize.”
Event volunteer Denise Stys-Norman was delighted to watch local families celebrating Santa and the season together.
“It’s just great to be out with the community during the holidays,” she said. “It has been so much fun. I love watching all the kids smiling faces, dancing and running around…It’s the holidays and for those who live in a remote area, this is their community and their family, so it’s lovely to see everybody support each other and come together during the holidays.”
After ensuring Santa’s list was in order while sitting on his lap, each child had their photo taken with the jolly old elf thanks to local photographer Jen McLeod.
“I had so much fun taking pictures with Santa this year. Everyone had a good time. There was no tears, everyone smiled and Santa was awesome,” McLeod said as the event came to a close. “This is the best community on the Island. Everyone gets out and has fun. We have the best events and the community always gets out and enjoys them. We are so lucky to live here, where everyone is in such a good spirit this time of year and there’s so many fun things to do.”
Santa will return to Ucluelet on Dec. 23 for a ‘Chilling with Santa’ event at the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Club—1708 Peninsula Road—from 3-5 p.m.
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andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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