Breakfast with Santa event moves to new venue
School council chair Vickie Brulotte said she was informed by the school principal that if they breakfast event were to be held at the school it could not have an affiliation with Christmas.
Brulotte said organizers decided to stick with tradition and secured a new venue for the event. It will be held at the Creemore Legion on the morning of the Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Dec. 3. All the proceeds will still go to the school.
“It’s been in the community for years and everybody looks forward to it. I know what it means to the community and we wanted to see it go forward,” said Brulotte. “I wanted to keep the tradition going, that’s the bottom line.”
Brulotte said the decision has been well supported by the community, including the businesses that contribute to it.
“Not that I was against a community breakfast, but I just think that Breakfast with Santa is important to the community,” she said. “And the kids, they love it.”
The event has been happening at the school for more than 20 years and is the biggest school council fundraiser of the year, averaging $6,000 in proceeds annually, sometimes more.
Brulotte said the proceeds go to fund various things for the school including technology, gym equipment, or whatever is identified as a general school needs and improvements. This year, parents are hoping to earmark funds to subsidize field trip costs.
Requests for interviews to Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School principal Jeff Dunlop went unanswered but Simcoe County District School Board Manager of Communications Sarah Kekewich did eventually respond to The Echo’s request for an explanation saying, “It is up to the discretion of the principal, in consultation with staff and school council, to determine which events they will participate in and/or host at the school based on their first-hand knowledge of the school community, culture, event logistics, and capacity of the venue. Staff strive to create opportunities where all students and families can participate and feel included.”
“This particular event has been a challenge for the school from a logistical standpoint as it consumes a tremendous amount of school resources, staff time, and the facility is limited with respect to food service, she continued. “In partnership with school council members, it was agreed upon that the event would proceed in its original format at the Legion hall. The Legion is fully equipped with a commercial kitchen and located in close proximity to the school.”
“Nottawasaga and Creemore PS values its connection to the community and continues to seek opportunity to participate in traditional events such as the upcoming Creemore Santa Claus Parade,” concluded Kekewich.
The event will include photos with Santa and a silent auction. Donations are welcome. Call Vickie at 705-441-6386.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon at the Legion. Breakfast includes pancakes and sausage. Price is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and a family of four can eat for $25. Tickets available at Creemore Foodland, Clear Tax View, Creemore IDA, The Creemore Echo and at the door.
Brulotte said the shopping room will still be happening at the school.
