Nerf guns, L.O.L Surprise dolls, and AirPods were popular Christmas list requests. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW staff)

By Alison Sandstrom

Christmas Comes Early

19th annual Santa Run touches down in Northern Saskatchewan

Dec 7, 2019 | 4:00 PM

The reindeer got some time off this weekend, as Santa Claus traded in his sleigh for a more modern ride.

Early Friday morning, Father Christmas and a small team of elves boarded an airplane in Prince Albert to begin a two-day blitz that would see them handout nearly 1500 gifts in four Northern Saskatchewan communities.

Transwest Air has been putting on the annual Santa Run for 19 years.

Santa gave out many high-fives. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW staff)

Business development officer Patty Hughes said the yearly trip is an important way the company gives back to the communities it serves – especially to their youngest residents.

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“The expressions on their faces and for them to be able to really see Santa and have that one-on-one with him, mean a lot,” she explained.

Santa visited Fond Du Lac, Black Lake, Stony Rapids and Wollaston Lake. At each school, kids patiently waited their turn to sit on his knee and chat about anything from their Christmas lists to their favourite snacks. Parents and teachers snapped photos against backdrops the schools had decorated to look like winter wonderlands.

A student in Fond-Du-Lac poses with Santa. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW staff)

Various toys including Play-Doh, stuffed animals and ankle skipping balls were handed out.

Sweet Christmas oranges and candy canes were enjoyed by adult and children alike.

At Father Porte Memorial Déné School in Black Lake, Santa held court in the centre of the foyer, which had been decked out with lights, a giant snowman and multiple Christmas trees.

“The kids were excited this morning, they were anxious and waiting,” vice-principal Sharon Bouvier-Cook Vice said. “You know being a kid, they’re excited for Santa.”

(Alison Sandstrom/paNOW staff)

Transwest begins preparations for the Santa Run in August. Schools, daycares and health centres are contacted to determine how many babies and children under 10 are in each community. Presents are purchased accordingly.

“This is really important to us at Transwest Air and this is one thing that no matter what kind of year it is, or whatever, we’ll always make sure that this happens,” Hughes said.

(Alison Sandstrom/paNOW staff)

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom