Santa brings joy to Regina in unique fashion

Christmas is right around the corner and no one is busier than Saint Nicholas.

Santa has been seen driving around Regina in a lit-up Coca-Cola truck. His routes can be found on the Coca-Cola Santa Tour Regina Facebook page, where people could also request an area for him to visit.

John Thompson, the man organizing the effort, has only one purpose behind his actions: to bring some holiday cheer.

“Everybody’s had a tough year,” Thompson said. “It’s been amazing to put some smiles on people’s faces and give everybody an opportunity to get their kids in front of Santa Claus as Santa is pretty much coming to them and driving through their neighbourhoods.

“It’s all about spreading some cheer and joy while putting smiles on people’s faces.”

Thompson and his crew of elves started driving around on Dec. 12., with plans to finish their tours on Wednesday night.

This isn’t the first time they have done this, as he had previously done something similar back in 1999.

“It was more of a commercial thing that we did back then, it was a much different time,” he said. “This year with everything that’s going on, it’s all about being local and spreading some joy.

“Just going out and talking with people or wishing them a merry Christmas.”

Santa and his elves visit people who have been in isolation, talking to them while giving them some holiday cheer. Whether it be visiting the outside of hospitals or nursing homes throughout the city, no one is exempt from getting to speak with Santa for a while.

“We have been all over the city just trying to bring some Christmas joy,” he said. ” Coke has given me the truck to put the lights on to drive around and spread some cheer and put smiles on people’s faces.

“Some people have been asking if we’re taking donations, and the only thing we’re collecting is smiles.”