Santa visits Townsend and Caledonia for breakfast

by Haldimand Press Staff

December 19, 2024

By Kerry J Newstead

TOWNSEND—The Townsend Lions hosted its second annual Breakfast with Santa on December 14, 2024.

Christina Hill, Event Chair, stated, “We started this last year in amalgamation with Jarvis’ Light Up. They came in and did a whole presentation on what they were doing, but there was no breakfast involved. So it was decided last year we would run breakfast … so they got a good healthy start.”

A modest price of $25 per family was charged. The kids received colouring sheets and had a chance to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Breakfast included pancakes, sausages, eggs, and homefries with juice and coffee for the big kids. Santa was larger than life when he entered the hall and had everyone singing Christmas songs. 

Hill noted that one family approached the Townsend Lions, saying that they wanted to go but wouldn’t have the money until payday. The Lions decided to waive the fee, feeling that no one should be turned away from having breakfast with Santa.

The two sittings were both sold out with over 50 people attending. Rather than raising funds, this event aims to bring  people holiday cheer.

The Townsend Lions were joined by the Dunnville Lions and local student volunteers to make the day a great success.

Townsend

  • Elvis and Lisa Cruz with their son Gracen enjoying their pancakes.
  • Bill MacKenzie having some fun in the kitchen with fellow Lion Zolton Dohar.
  • the Bartels from Hagersville enjoying a few moments with Santa
  • Chair Christina Hill checking in with Santa, making sure she was on the nice list.

—Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J. Newstead.

Caledonia

CALEDONIA—Depsite being in Townsend that same day, Santa also flew over to the Caledonia Fairgrounds on December 14 to enjoy breakfast with that community. About 400 tickets were sold for two seatings, with everyone enjoying pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, homefries, and hot beverages. Santa was able to visit each table to speak with the children to hear their Christmas wish list. This year was sold out, with all money raised going to Senior Support Services and the Caledonia Agricultural Society.

  • he serving crew Sandra Hodgins (Senior Support), Kelsey Brown, and Taylor Brown (both Caledonia Agricultural Society).
  • Madelyn Street (7) and Emily Street (5)
  • Alex Bruzlese, Lucas Bruzlese (Dad), and Corinna Bruzlese (9 months)
  • Stu, Scottie (3), and Gillan Bradshaw
  • Everly Ross (5)
  • Richard and Elenor Pardoe, both Senior Support Services volunteers, lent a hand as front door ticket takers.

—Haldimand Press photos by Randy Carter.