Santa in Vaughan to ‘spread cheer’ in ‘dark time’ of COVID-19

After all, Santa was declared an essential service

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 23, 2020

Aurelio DeStefano donned his Santa Claus red and white costume to drive around some areas in Vaughan Dec. 20 to “spread cheer” in “dark times” of COVID-19, Laura Rinaldo, president of South Maple Ratepayers Association said.

DeStefano, who is a member of the SMRPA, already has a lot of experience as Santa, after all, he played Kris Kringle at local schools. This year, however, he couldn't due to COVID-19, but he managed to “spread cheer” at the association’s Maple community.

“A huge thank you to the DeStefano family for their dedication and BIG beautiful hearts,” wrote Rinaldo.

“On behalf of the SMRPA Executive Team, we would like to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and happy, healthy 2021.”

Rinaldo said DeStefano didn’t hand out any gifts to children due to COVID-19 and the lockdown. Even the food drive that they wanted to do, they didn’t end up doing since they “didn’t know how” to do it safely in this lockdown.

However, Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced on Dec. 16 that he has cleared Santa for takeoff in Canadian airspace this Christmas season.

While many Canadians are restricting their holiday gatherings to limit the spread of COVID-19, Transport Canada officials said they have ensured that Santa and his reindeer have taken all necessary precautions so they can safely deliver presents to the boys and girls across the country.