Sensitive Santa setting up shop on Dec. 11

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This article was published 09/12/2021 (1403 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An upcoming community event is set to show that Santa has a sensitive side.

The Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association will hold a Sensitive Santa event on Sat., Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate, at 1549 St. Mary’s Rd. in St. Vital.

One of the goals of the event is to help ensure individuals of any age enjoy a stress-free visit with Santa and his helpers this holiday season. Kristy McFee, the association’s executive director, said recently that such a trip can be a stressful experience for many people with different abilities for any number of reasons — a trip to the mall can overwhelm the senses, lineups can cause anxiety, and loud noises can turn a magical experience into one to forget.

“As a parent with four kids, including a daughter with autism, I was talking to other parents about how hard the typical waiting-for-Santa experience can be for some people when they’re standing in line, and there are bright lights and lights flashing,” McFee said, noting she is excited about the upcoming event, not least because Santa has had some special training for the occasion.

The Elie resident has been working hard to ensure things run smoothly on the day, and when participants arrive, they’ll send a text to an on-site elf — a.k.a. McFee — and they’ll then be escorted to a room to experience “a 10-minute quiet visit with Santa.”

Participants will also receive a candy cane, and Lotus Photography, which will donate its time to the cause, will be on-hand taking pictures to capture the memorable occasion.

McFee said it’s important to hold such an event so that the Christmas experience can be an all-inclusive one for local families.

“It can be hard for some parents. We had one family contact us who has an adult child in their twenties with cognitive disabilities. When the mom found out about what we’re doing she cried, as she was so happy something like this exists,” she said.

At press time, the event was fully booked up and families were being put on a waiting list. McFee hopes this popularity might lead to her two holding sessions next year.

“I’m just so excited to have this event, and to be able to see kids and their parents again,” McFee added.

Go online at www.mrda.cc to learn more about the association.