Santa knows all about autism
Kelowna woman gets the Jolly Old Elf to set aside time for special friends
Four years ago, Tracey Vrecko and her husband took their two boys to the mall to see Santa Claus and had what she refers to as “the worst experience.”
Vrecko’s youngest son, who is now seven years old, is on the autism spectrum, and the experience of visiting Santa was too overwhelming for him, she said.
“We were pushing him through the line, and he had a meltdown,” said Vrecko. “I remember seeing the look on his face; he covered his ears and buried his head, and I could tell it was really hard for him.”
At that moment, Vrecko knew she needed to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for her family and other families like them in Kelowna.
The next year, she and her husband Quincy started the Sensitive Santa program, where kids could visit Santa at the mall after hours.
“We created a sensory-friendly environment for these kids to experience Santa without the mall crowds, without the loud music and the bright lights that come with Santa at Christmas in the mall,” said Vrecko. “We strip it right down and we make it so calm. We just have Santa and Mrs. Claus and the photographer who’s very quiet.
“It takes that chaotic environment way down to a very calm level.”
Families book private five-minute appointments with Santa and can take their time with him to get the perfect photo.
“We built it knowing it takes time to get these kids comfortable, to get used to the environment and warm up to Santa,” said Vrecko.
The first year, there were 28 spots available, and they all filled up within two hours just through word of mouth.
The next year, they expanded it to two days for 48 families, and that too booked up quickly.
This year, Sensitive Santa will be at Orchard Park mall on Dec. 3 and 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and at Santa’s Studio, also known as Kelowna Actors Studio, at 1379 Ellis St., on Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The program is also expanding to Vernon, and Sensitive Santa will be at Village Green Centre on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Go to sensitivesantakelowna.ca to register or call 778-760-2860.