Welcome to the Official 2009
London Santa Claus Parade Website
2009 Parade Theme: A Storybook Christmas
IMPORTANT PARADE NEWS UPDATE:
November 17, 2009
UNAUTHORIZED COLLECTORS TAKE FUNDS AND TOYS FROM PARADE ROUTE
A group of unauthorized collectors wearing badges for a Canadian registered charity hit our parade route before and during this year's parade confusing parade watchers with the official Toonie Toss collection and our authorized Toy Drive.
The result is hundreds of people put money intended for the parade collection and our charities into the outsiders' paint cans and gave up toys brought for the needy to these collectors who asked for the toys, only to have them head out of town with their loot after the parade.
While one collector was caught and detained for police, the fact that they say they represent this charity makes it difficult to handle. Head office of the charity acknowledges that they do not collect funds in this manner especially in open cans and they never collect toys as they have no warehousing. We are still confused as to whether any of the collected funds ever reach the Toronto office of the charity.
If you feel you were one of the ones scammed by this troupe of about eight people we would like to hear from you. Please send an email to info@londonsantaclausparade.ca with details of your incident, including a physical description of the person who made the collection, along with a contact number where we may reach you.
We are hoping to find a way to prevent this from happening in the future. We have apparently been targeted for several years by the same group but had never been able to catch any of them until this year. Other parades should note the incident to prevent them using their event as well.
For next year remember our Toonie Toss collectors are part way back in the parade, wear official fundraiser aprons and carry Santa hats on poles for you to drop your donations into. The collection vehicle accompanying the fundraisers is well marked and has appropriate signage.
Isn't it sad that people like this use something like a Santa Claus parade to cheat people, especially the needy and children. |
Once again, jolly Old St. Nick will be making an early stop to London, Ontario this year when the 53rd Annual London Santa Claus Parade marches down Dundas Street on Saturday, November 14, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m.
The London Santa Claus Parade will begin at Egerton Street (West of Kellogg's and East of the Western Fair) and travel West on Dundas Street to Ridout Street.
The London Santa Claus Parade will continue to build on the success of previous years and feature a variety of sparkling floats, numerous bands, community groups, clowns, horses, unicycles and of course, the big guy in red.
As part of the London Santa Claus Parade, volunteers will be collecting non-perishable foods from spectators to support The London Food Bank. This year, let's be as generous as possible!
The Hamilton Road Business Association will once again be collecting new, unused toys for their Annual Toy Drive...
And, Canada Post will be picking up letters for Old St. Nick along the route too.
Also, don't forget the important London Santa Claus Parade “Loonie and Toonie Donation” which helps cover the cost of Santa's reindeer’s carrots and vegetables. Without this donation, Santa's reindeer may not have enough energy to make the long journey from the North Pole every year.
We look forward to another successful holiday season!
All the Best!
Kevin Armstrong Douglas
2009 Parade Co-Chair
londonsantaclausparade.ca
