This year, there were no children with frosty noses impatiently waiting in line to meet Richmond, QC’s very own Santa Claus. Instead, parents signed up their kids for a socially-distanced house visit from the man in a red suit and his elves.
The Santa Claus parade is a yearly tradition in Richmond, dating back over 60 years, according to Joanne Ménard, lead volunteer for the gift-distribution event. This year, however, to discourage crowds and to follow public health guidelines, there was a very real threat of cancelling the event.
But, for Richmond parents, this was not an option – especially at a time where everyone needs a little pick-me-up Christmas cheer.
“The goal is happiness, it’s love, it’s to spread Christmas joy with the whole of the municipality” said Ménard. “With the pandemic, people need to be happy and to see their children be happy.”
Social distancing won’t stop Santa’s yearly visit to Richmond
By Marianne Lassonde, Special to The Record
