Sooke Santa Run

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus lane. 

The spirit of Christmas lives within all of us and there is no better way to welcome in the holiday season, than with the Sooke Santa Run!

Something that this time of year ignites in all of us is giving, which is like a flame that warms our heart. We all know that feeling after you do a good deed, the overwhelming sense of purpose that fills us up. The Sooke Firefighter’s Association has got very creative with how they raise funds for the less fortunate. For 25 years, the entire fire hall dresses up as Santa and his helpers, decorates the the fire trucks and parades through the town. The lights and festive music brings people out of their house, cheering, with open hearts and full hands.

This parade is a fun event but the soul purpose is to try collecting as many non perishable food items and cash donations as possible. Last year over $100,000 worth of food and cash were donated from Sooke residents to support the Sooke Christmas Bureau and local families in need. Each year they hope to raise more than the last, they also collect the food donations from Western Food, Shoppers Drug Mart and Village Foods.

Magic will happen this year on December 8th at dusk… Four brightly decorated fire trucks will parade down the street, each one has their very own Santa on it to wave and say “ho ho ho”. I personally would not want to be the one to explain to the kids why there are 4, but hey that is magic right there. Each of his helpers dance down the street in their stripped tights and cute little hats to collect the donations.

Remember, these are fire fighters who have saved many peoples lives from burning buildings and the whole town probably recognizes them. They transform only 1 night a year to a jolly old lad or a dancing singing pointed eyed little helper.

Come experience the magic this winter at the Sooke Santa Run. This is the best way to guarantee a spot on the nice list so please come with a giving heart. The warmest, cosiest place to stay when you are in town is Sooke Harbour Resort & Marina, where the holidays can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own private suite.