A longtime Santa Fund angel hangs up his wings
Man honoured for three decades of deliveries to kids Metropolitan Church volunteers take big role in Santa circuit
Hank Condie didn’t have to open his Christmas present. He knew exactly what was inside.
“. . . a toy, a candy, perhaps a sweater, and oh, a hat,” he said, standing at the front of the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. Over the last three decades, he has delivered thousands of very similar boxes to children from struggling families. And on Sunday night, Condie was honoured with the very present he delivered for so long, along with a bronze plaque for his dedication to the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. But sometimes even angels retire. And Condie’s decision to hang up his wings this year means the Metropolitan Community Church will assume the route that he tended to through the Riverdale Kiwanis Club. The church, which has been a depot for the Christmas boxes since 1990, will deliver some 1,600 boxes this Christmas.
“ For many of our congregation, a predominantly gay and lesbian congregation, this was an opportunity for many people who don’t have kids to be able to help with families that do,” said Rev. Brent Hawkes.
“ It was a perfect match for us to be able to help with our volunteers and also be involved with a family Christmas.”
Last Sunday night, the church found a way to deliver even more.
Condie’s tribute was part of a firstever concert gala at the east end church that saw more than 200 people fill the pews for a performance by traditional harmony singers Quartette.
Proceeds from the event, which included a silent auction, will go to the Santa Claus Fund.
Established in 1906 by Toronto Star founder Joseph E. Atkinson, the charity will deliver more than 45,000 presents to children from struggling families throughout Greater Toronto this Christmas.
“ Without the volunteers delivering, the boxes to the children, Mr. Atkinson’s dream could not survive,” said Rose Cudney, a Star retiree who has spearheaded the charity’s efforts for 38 years.
Condie’s friends Ernie LaCasse and Romelda Morson are two of the key cogs in the church’s volunteer Christmas efforts.
“ I was at that time unemployed so I got called by the church administrator asking if I could look after it — and I did for 12 years,” said LaCasse. He has seen the delivery of boxes from the church expand rapidly over the years to keep pace with the need.
Along the way, LaCasse grew a white scruffy beard and donned a little red hat. He still recalls one delivery run, on a particularly snowy day, when the children spotted him outside their house.
“ The two little boys screamed ‘ Santa’ at the top of their lungs and came running down.”
In its 100th year, the Santa Claus Fund aims to raise $ 1.35 million — to ensure 45,000 underprivileged children across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax and Pickering receive Christmas presents this year.
If you have been touched by the Santa Claus Fund, or have a story to tell, email ccotron@thestar.ca or call 416-8142751.