Santa Claus is real and the town of Fergus is celebrating with exciting activities and community events in support of Groves Hospital Foundation with the I Believe In Santa Claus campaign.
“This is a strategy to tie in the Fergus BIA, the Groves Hospital Foundation and the Vision Theatre Production play,” said organizer and Vision Theatre Productions executive producer Fred Morris.
Each winter Vision Theatre Productions puts on a play in support of Groves. This year, the company will be performing the classic story Miracle on 34th Street.
The three organizations decided to build on this by creating a program that involves the entire community in the fundraising effort.
I Believe in Santa allows merchants and residents to work together to raise funds for much needed hospital equipment and resources.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to spread the joy of Christmas while supporting Groves Hospital which is a vital part of our community,” said Morris.
Merchants around Fergus will carry I Believe In Santa Claus pins which can be purchased by donation with all funds going to the foundation.
“We are asking for a minimum $2 donation,” said Sarah McGoldrick, of Vision Theatre Productions. “It’s about promoting the idea of giving.”
Beginning this Monday, shoppers will find I Believe in Santa donation boxes at participating retailers.
In addition, merchants will be offering items at special prices with a portion of the purchase price going to the foundation.
“We appreciate the support and it is a great cause,” said Jayne MacKenzie, chair of the foundation during the official campaign kick off on Nov. 9 outside the Fergus Post Office.
Santa himself was on hand to take part in the event, showing the I Believe in Santa meter, located outside the post office, which will mark the success of the campaign by tracking the funds raised.
As more funds are raised, the meter will show how much Fergus believes in Santa Claus.
“This is a wonderful way to start the Christmas season,” said Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Jackie Fraser, chair of the Fergus BIA and co-owner of Fraberts Fresh Foods, added, “This is a community building project. Santa shops in Fergus, so please come down and support this great initiative.”
Miracle on 34th Street runs from Dec. 13 to 16 at Fergus Grand Theatre. The crew will present one of two cheques to the foundation on Dec. 13, followed by a final total before Christmas.
“We’re really excited about this,” said Morris. “The message of the play is all about faith and hope … and the commercialization of the season. But it brings out the humanity in everyone. This is the season for giving.”
A website and social media pages have also been set up at www.fergusbelievesinsanta.com.
