Bringing Santa Claus to Thunder Bay each November is expensive.
But thanks to a local business stepping up, this year’s Santa Claus Parade will arrive without a hitch on Nov. 21.
Organizer Volker Kromm on Tuesday said the reality is, putting on a parade the scale of Thunder Bay’s takes money.
“Raising funds sometimes to cover the expenses is an issue for us,” Kromm said. “We’ve had trouble finding sponsorship the past few years, but quite frankly we just didn’t know how to ask.”
Enter the Thunder Bay Credit Unions to the rescue.
Kromm said as soon as family values and the fact the parade will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2015, the partnership was born.
“They said this is an opportunity to really showcase our city and our community, so we were grateful for their support,” Kromm said.
“It means we have a solid event and it means we also have corporate Thunder Bay saying this is a valued asset in the event calendar of Thunder Bay. And for us it means kids will be able to see Santa Claus and all the coulour and pageantry that come with the Rotary Christmas parade.
Audrey Halvorsen, the vice-president of operations with Northern Lights Credit Union, said when she heard the parade might be in trouble, she approached the Thunder Bay Credit Union board to see what could be done.
“I’ve got to tell you the response was both immediate and unanimous,” Halvorsen said. “The Rotary Clubs are volunteer organizations that raise funds for the less fortunate and the Christmas parade is a community service that’s presented by the Rotary Clubs.”
The sponsorship commitment will help ensure the money raised throughout the year is used to help those in need, not pay for parade costs.
“It also ensures the Christmas parade will remain as an event for people from all walks of life,” she said.
Last year’s parade drew 50 floats and Kromm said he’s crossing his fingers that number will double in 2015, in part because the event has hit a quarter-century.
To register a float, visit the Fort William Rotary website or phone Gail Kromm at 627-6512.
