Yes, Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus Parade
It looks like Santa Claus is a Telus customer now.
The telecom giant has stepped in to save Vancouver’s Santa Claus Parade, after organizers made a public plea seeking more sponsors to sign on and help save the parade.
Earlier this month, it was announced that the annual event was in jeopardy due to a budget shortfall of about $150,000 this year. It typically costs $400,000 to put on the parade, with the majority of the costs going toward policing, float construction and parade production.
On Tuesday, it was announced Telus had signed on as a presenting sponsor for the 14th edition of the event. The parade had previously been presented by Rogers Communications.
“We’re so thrilled that the parade will continue and we really want to thank Telus for stepping up to help us continue this great community event uninterrupted for a 14th straight year,” said Vancouver Santa Claus Parade Society president Jessica Walker. “With the parade now officially a ‘go,’ we’ll be getting in touch right away with all the organizations and sponsors who put all the great entries in the parade, and we encourage anyone interested in joining us in the parade to contact us right away.”
In the past, there have been up to 60 entrants, 2,700 participants and 300 volunteers involved with the event, which also includes photos with Santa and family entertainment before the parade takes to the road. About 300,000 people attend the December parade, which is put on by a community, non-profit society.
The event also fundraises for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society; over 13 years, the event has raised $157,000 in cash and 77,000-pounds of food.
Telus joins a roster of sponsors that currently include Purdy’s Chocolates, Toys R Us, Island Farms, Vancouver International Airport, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Port of Vancouver, Starbucks and the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association.
The parade takes place Sunday, Dec. 3, at noon. The parade route begins in Vancouver’s West End, heads along West Georgia and will turn down Howe Street at the Vancouver Art Gallery.