By Angela Hill

Santa flies to Northern Saskatchewan

Dec 6, 2010 | 5:17 AM

Santa Claus arrived by airplane to four northern communities during the annual Santa Takes Flight event.

His visit is Transwest Air’s way of giving back to the communities where they operate.

“We have a very good relationship with the three bands in the Athabasca region and Transwest Air is very grateful for all the business we get out of the north. So, this is our way of giving back and we like to do it through the children,” said Deb Wrightson, customer relations and sales manager for the airline.

This is the 11th year that Santa made his visit north with Transwest and while this year was quieter that some years previously, the visit was appreciated.

“I think it’s wonderful that Transwest has been doing it now for several years and the communities in the Athabasca region all come out and greet (Santa), so it’s a wonderful thing,” said Erna Mercredi, vice-principal at Father Megret school in Wollaston Lake, where gifts were handed out.

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“For Santa to be here in Wollatson at 10 a.m. and our gym is packed, that’s how you can tell the kids look forward to it.”

Sunday’s event went smoothly and was particularly enjoyed because it was only —25 C, said Wrightson.

“It’s way warmer than it (was) last year, so it’s been running smoothly and we’re really happy with the turnout.”

More than 1,500 kids in, Wollaston Lake, Black Lake, Fond du Lac and Stony Rapids, had the chance to see Santa, have their pictures taken and receive a small gift.

For many of these children, it is there only opportunity to see Santa as they don’t travel south to Prince Albert or Saskatoon, to see him in a mall, said Wrightson.

“Anything you do, it’s all about the kids. It’s not about us, it’s about the future,” said Fond du Lac Chief, Napoleon Mercredi.

“We never experienced this kind of stuff when we were young, so this is good for the kids here.”

Fond du Lac Dene Nation works with Transwest Air, leasing the planes they own to the airline.

While Transwest Air is the lead organizer for the event, Wrightson said they can’t do it alone.

Support is received from the community, including the Northern Lights Community Development Corporation, Northern Resource Trucking, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, and Prince Albert’s Dollar Store With More.

Click here for more photos from the event.

ahill@panow.com