Just before Santa and his elves took to the skies last week, on Christmas Eve morning the team from the North Pole was seen taking advantage of a window of good weather and paddleboarding in Howe Sound.
Upon further investigation, this was in fact not jolly Saint Nick himself, but instead a fundraiser called the Santa Paddle held by Norm Hann Expeditions in support of Squamish Helping Hands.
“The Santa Paddles is just an opportunity to bring the community together, and also to help an organization like Helping Hands and people that don’t have food on the table and Christmas presents under a tree,” said Tina Currie, the creator and organizer of the fundraiser.
This is the event’s second year running.
This year, the event was smaller than last year’s due to the COVID-19 pandemic and drew about 10 people. Last year, the event hosted about 20 people and featured a fire with hot chocolate and coffee. Last year they raised between $400 and $500 for the Helping Hands.
“One of our goals from the Coastal Stoke program is about the community and getting the community involved,” said Norm Hann, the owner of the local business.
This year they asked participants to donate online and do not know the exact amount they raised with this event, but their Halloween paddle raised around $400.
Next year, you can take part in the Santa Paddle on or around Christmas Day, weather permitting, and you can expect to join Santa and his elves out on the water.
To find out more, go here.
