Thousands kick off holidays with Rogers Santa Claus parade
Posted December 4, 2011 3:58 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – More than 300,000 spectators turned out today for the Eighth Annual Rogers Santa Claus Parade.
Santa joined more than 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups to kick off the holiday season.
Food donations are still being counted, but Rogers’ BC Vice President and General Manager Gordon Nelson says in the past the parade has generated over $100,000 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and over 40,000 kg of food.
“Rogers is proud to connect the community through the Rogers Santa Claus Parade. We’re inspired by all of the generous people from all over the Lower Mainland who gave to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society at this year’s parade,” Nelson says.
“I would like to thank the parade committee, our volunteers, and everyone who came out to make the parade a success. This really is the start of the holiday season and gets everyone in the spirit of giving.”
The big man in red says he was happy for the break in his busy schedule.
“I’ve been working around the clock at the North Pole, me and the elves and Mrs. Claus. We’re getting ready for the big day, but I like this big day too,” he says.
“It’s one of the highlights of the season, I love coming to Vancouver to do the parade. Everybody here is so wonderful. The theme of the parade every year is the spirit of giving and the people of Vancouver just give and give and give.”
In case you missed it, the parade will air on Citytv on Dec.10 between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., and again on Dec. 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
