CHEK Upside: Sooke Santa Run continues through pandemic

CHEK
WatchThe annual Sooke Santa Run has become a community tradition that's continuing despite the pandemic. 

At the Sooke fire hall a holiday mission is underway.

The annual Santa Run has become a community tradition that’s continuing despite the pandemic.

“It’s an important part of the community and an important way to make sure that everybody in our community has a Merry Christmas,” says firefighter Ben Temple.

The event was in limbo up until October, when the Sooke Food Bank voiced its need for donations to cover the cost of holiday food hampers. So instead of collecting food on their drive around the community, Sooke Fire and Rescue will be collecting donations via cash or card.

“We’re collecting money this year which helps us to stay COVID friendly and safe for both us and the community and still allows the Sooke Christmas Bureau to recoup those costs,” says Temple.

Through early fundraising from campaigns like the Meanwhile in Sooke Facebook group and the 10,000 Tonight Food Drive auction, the food bank has received a much-needed boost, with Sooke Fire and Rescue hoping to add to the total.

“We are getting close to our 15,000 dollar goal, but the more the better,” says Temple. “It certainly helps more families and spreads more cheer,” Temple adds.

The four trucks will parade around town, adding a little brightness to a dark year.

“You can track the trucks on sooke.ca/santa and see where the trucks are at any given moment going all through Sooke,” says firefighter Heather Lane.

The socially distanced fundraiser provides a welcome opportunity for the first responders to interact in a non-emergency environment.

“This is an opportunity for us to get out and be face to face at a safe distance and really do something for the community that goes beyond just emergency response,” says Temple.  “It’s a real tradition in our department and we’re so lucky that we’re able to do it again this year,” adds Temple.

To donate to the Sooke Santa Run, visit the firefighter’s GoFundMe page.

Cole SorensonCole Sorenson

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