An East Kildonan resident who volunteers at the Santa Claus Parade and with the Khartum Shriners is hoping for an early Christmas miracle.

Dennis McQuade, 76, who has spent the last 38 years as Santa during the annual parade, said his vintage 1975 swing bike that he uses during Shriners parades was stolen during the evening of July 20 or the early morning hours of July 21. A swing bike has a back wheel that can be manoeuvred from side to side by the rider.

McQuade, who is a member of the Shriners Khartum Komedians, went to his garage on the morning of the July 21 to discover his car had been burglarized. When he looked up, he noticed the prized bike he had owned for 25  years was gone.

"What the heck am I going to do? Every time the phone rings I’m hoping it’s the police calling to tell me they found it," said McQuade, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years.

McQuade said the bike wouldn’t be of much use to whoever stole it because they probably wouldn’t know how to ride it.

"They could hurt themselves because you have to know what to do with it," he said.

Reg Hall, a member of the Komedians with McQuade, said it’s unfortunate the theft happened because McQuade loves taking part in parades and giving back to the community.

"That bike is his lifeline to the parade. He’s an older gentleman and he has difficulty walking the parade," Hall said.

"He has the ability of riding along the parade and stopping and talking to kids and seniors."

McQuade said the most disappointing aspect of the theft is that it will make it more difficult for him to interact with kids who loved the bike.

"It (angers) me because it meant a lot to me. I’m really upset," he said.

"I work hard for the kids. I pray every night that it comes back."

McQuade said the bike is identifiable by its yellow fender, green frame, and a red banana seat.

Anyone who may have information on the bike’s whereabouts can contact police or call McQuade at 204-663-0611.

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adrian.alleyne@canstarnews.com