Kamloops Santa Clause, Robert Bruce, dressed up to cheer people up in Valleyview.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Robert Bruce
November 27, 2022 - 2:01 PM
An experienced Santa Claus in Kamloops is offering his services to businesses in the community in exchange for donations to the prenatal unit at Royal Inland Hospital.
Robert Bruce advertises himself on social media as “in used to fair condition” with a full outfit, and “always sober, always smells like candy canes.” He evens grows out a white beard for the holiday season, even though he said he hates wearing one.
“I am quite round,” he said. “I have the belly and a half decent laugh and bells that jingle.”
Bruce stands at the end of his driveway in Valleyview behind The Brick every Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in November and December, waving at passersby to cheer people up, and handing candy canes out to the kids.
He finishes the holiday fun downtown at River Street Dog Park on Christmas Day giving treats and throwing balls to canines.
“When I’m on the streets everyone honks and waves and it makes people smile,” he said. “I have a riot with the dogs at the park on Christmas Day.”
READ MORE: Two years after he was fired from the Penticton mall, this naughty Santa is as busy as ever
Bruce has been playing the role of Santa for three years for several local businesses, mainly for the annual Breakfast for Santa at the Coast Hotel that raised over $12,000 for the hospital last year.
This year he is offering his Santa services to more businesses, in exchange for donations.
“I don’t have an exterior setup like trees or decor, you need to supply that, but I’m not averse to standing outside for two hours. Last year I did two hours at minus 27 until my face was sore.”
Bruce takes any donations and submits them through the Coast Hotel which donates them to the hospital.
He's available for your business after 2 p.m. on Saturdays and any Sunday except Dec. 18. Evenings are available after 6 p.m. and he needs a few days notice.
Since putting up his ad on social media a week ago his schedule is almost full.
The jolly old elf is inspired to do the hours of volunteer work every year because he simply loves the kids.
“I really enjoy bringing joy to children, I’m from a big family and I just love babies,” he said. “I was born to be a grandpa and have seven grandkids. It is all about the kids."
READ MORE: Santa Claus parade returns to Penticton after two-year COVID hiatus
Devan Grace Photography is one small business collaborating with Bruce this year.
Owner and experienced photographer Devan Storey arranged for him to make a special visit to her North Shore studio on Dec. 10 and 11, where she is offering a private, magical Santa experience for families and pets.
Families can pay $50 for a private 15-minute photo session, with 30% proceeds going to the prenatal unit at the hospital.
“I’m really excited to be offering this to families and pets, and taking part in this important cause,” she said.
To reach Santa or make a donation to the cause go here.
Click here for more information about Devan Grace Photography.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2022