Santa joined his friends at the West Shore’s fire departments once again this year to bring holiday cheer to the communities, and collect donations for the Goldstream Food Bank.
Despite the pandemic and some poor weather, the operations were a success, with thousands of dollars worth of donations and many truck loads of food being collected.
On his runs with Colwood Fire Rescue, Saint Nick was able to help collect three pickup truck-loads of food and $3,300 in cash donations this year, said acting fire Chief Greg Chow.
“The residents of Colwood were very generous, and we thank them for their support,” said Chow. “It’s as much a joy for our members as it is for the public.”
Chow said this year was the first time the Royal Bay subdivision was able to participate in the run, and the residents there were thrilled to see the convoy of fire trucks make their way through their community with lights and sirens blaring.
View Royal Fire Fighters Association President Doug Chamberlain said his department was able to fill their trailer with non-perishable food and collected some $6,770 in cash donations for the food bank.
Highlands Fire Rescue also enjoyed success this year, despite the poor weather, said fire Chief Dean Ford.
“On behalf of the generosity of Highlands residents, we were able to drop off three pickup truck loads of food donations and more than $3,000 in cash to the Goldstream Food Bank,” said Ford.
Fourteen firefighters and eight trucks joined Santa on his run through Highlands, and residents were treated to a candy cane chute, ensuring they were still able to enjoy some festive treats while staying COVID safe.
Metchosin’s fire department did not host a Santa run this year, and Langford’s made its way through the community starting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24.on Christmas Eve. Due to COVID, they did not collect donations this year.
READ MORE: What’s open and closed on Christmas Day in Greater Victoria
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