Original Santa Claus Parade Issues Critical GoFundMe Campaign Amid its 120th Anniversary to Save Next Year's Parade
With an updated route and 26 spectacular floats, this year's Parade on Sunday November 24 promises to shower the city with joy and holiday cheer, but it also carries a rallying cry
TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2024 /CNW/ - The Original Santa Claus Parade is ready to once again excite attendees from all walks of life in Toronto, on Sunday November 24th, as it has done for 120 uninterrupted years.
Each year, the Parade attracts more than 750,000 attendees, as the city comes together to celebrate family and love, officially kicking off the holiday season.
This year, on an updated route, Santa and Mrs. Claus will showcase 26 spectacular floats, accompanied by spirited marchers, lively bands, diverse community partners and a special Canadian debut from former Wiggles superstar, Emma Memma. The Parade will also be livestreamed on YouTube for the very first time, reaching new audiences across Canada.
However, while past world wars, recessions, a Great Depression, and even a global pandemic couldn't stop this beloved Parade from spreading joy and holiday cheer – today, growing inflationary and operational costs have put next year's Parade into some jeopardy. As a result, the Parade has launched a critical GoFundMe campaign with a public appeal to save the Parade for 2025. Donations can be made online at: gofundme.com/f/celebrate-the-120th-year-of-the-original-santa-claus-parade.
"In the spirit of togetherness for our 120th anniversary, we're asking anyone who holds a heartfelt memory of the Parade to consider donating $2.00, $12.00, $120.00, or any amount they're inspired to give," said Clay Charters, president and CEO, the Original Santa Claus Parade. "If even a quarter of the Parade's attendees donate just $2.00, we will surpass our goal of raising $250,000 to secure the future of this cherished city hallmark."
Charters explained that corporate sponsors have covered the lion's share of the Parade's funding. However, recent corporate budget constraints, growing Parade day costs and livestreaming production costs, in place of a post-Parade broadcast, have all put the Parade in a precarious position for next year. As such, the organization is unable to carry these costs into next year.
Former Toronto mayor, John Tory is also lending his voice to the Parade's fundraiser. "Like many people in our city, I've attended this Parade for years, first as a child, then as a father, and now as a grandfather," said Tory. "Moreover, in my past role as mayor, I have personally witnessed the incredible diversity of the Parade attendees and the jubilation it brings, something we need more of – so I'm imploring the people of Toronto to give what you can. Together, I know we can keep this Parade's extraordinary legacy alive."
In addition to the GoFundMe campaign, other ways that fans can get involved and give back to the Parade include:
- Collecting official Parade merchandise: The coveted Parade toque that has traditionally been reserved for volunteers are now available for fans to purchase this year. The assortment of merchandise for sale is now available through Peace Collective at: peace-collective.com/collections/p-c-x-santa-claus-parade.
- Donning red noses for the Parade: Fan-favourite Red Nose Drive initiative and fundraiser in support of the Parade and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets returns this year. The Cadets will be selling Rudolph-inspired red noses for $3.00 at Union Station, along the route and at TTC stations across the city on Parade day
- Participating in the Holly Jolly Fun Run: This popular 5km run is expected to draw more than 1,500 participants. It will begin at 11:45 am and will lead the Parade, energizing fans along the route. Proceeds raised will directly support the Parade
"While we keep our eyes on securing the Parade for next year, I want to take this opportunity to thank our loyal corporate sponsors, who have been by our side, and are bringing this year's milestone Parade to life," added Charters.
These corporate sponsors for 2024 include: 98.1 CHFI, Ambient Mechanical, Canadian Tire Ltd., Caribbean Carnival, Casa Loma, CIBC, Circle K, Desjardins, Fitzrovia, LEGO, McCain, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada, Metro, Pizza Pizza, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Tim Hortons, Toronto Hydro and Winterfest at Canada's Wonderland. Parade partners include: Branded Cities, Edery & Lord Communications, GO Transit, Government of Ontario, McCann Canada, Pride Toronto Siphon Strategy, Toronto Star, Thompson Terminals Limited, TTC and Volkswagen Canada.
For further information about the Original Santa Claus Parade, visit: https://thesantaclausparade.com.
Follow along on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, and use #SantaClausParadeTO to join the conversation.
About the Original Santa Claus Parade:
The Original Santa Claus Parade made its debut in 1905, thanks to the sponsorship of T. Eaton Company (Eaton's). The original Parade was a "one man show" with Santa as the only attraction. Santa travelled in a special automobile through downtown Toronto, handing out souvenirs and surprise packages to the community along the way. Today, the Original Santa Claus Parade is the largest children's Parade in North America and the largest outdoor entertainment event held in Canada every year. The Parade relies on the support of sponsors, partners, and thousands of volunteers, to bring the magic of the season to millions of Canadians and people around the world.
120th Original Santa Claus Parade
AT A GLANCE
Updated Parade Route:
- This year's route will see the Parade begin at Christie Pits at 12:30 pm, located at 750 Bloor Street West. The Parade will proceed east along Bloor Street to St. George Street, continue south on St. George, east on Hoskin Avenue, south on Queens Park Crescent and University Avenue, east on Wellington Street and south again on Yonge Street to Front Street. From there, the Parade will head east on Front Street and finish at the St. Lawrence Market at Jarvis Street. The Parade will be approximately 2.5 hours long
New Features This Year:
- Live, interactive YouTube broadcast: In place of a post-event television broadcast, for the first time, the Parade will be livestreamed on YouTube, reaching new audiences across Canada. Fans of the Parade can subscribe now at www.youtube.com/@TOSantaParade to get reminders for the livestream
- The Milk and Cookies Zone: Sponsored by Circle K, beginning at 10:00 am at Christie Pits, fans can partake in free fun activities before the Parade begins. These include: Dancing with a hype squad, writing letters to Santa and enjoying milk and cookies along with coffee and hot chocolate sponsored by Tim Hortons
- Special appearance by Emma Memma: Former Wiggles star Emma Watkins will debut her new preschool brand Emma Memma. Emma Memma will make her Canadian premiere, performing and conducting a meet and greet at the Milk and Cookies Zone before greeting Parade-goers on a special float
- New floats to watch for: Newly designed floats debuting this year include CIBC, McDonald's, Fitzrovia, LEGO, McCain, Metro and Tim Hortons
SOURCE Santa Claus Parade
For further information, interviews or imagery, please contact: Randi-Lynn Paul, Consultant, Edery & Lord Communications, 647.539.5133 I [email protected]
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