Santa and his helpers from the former Apex Club of Castlemaine will be out and about again this Christmas Day visiting the young and young at heart across the region.
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the beloved annual Santa Run which has cemented its place in the hearts and minds of locals over the past eight decades.
Past Apexian Stephen Cooper said they are proud to have kept the long running tradition alive thanks to the dedication of their volunteers and the support of the local community.
“It actually began during the depression in 1937 and saw Apexians handing out apples donated by local orchards and hams from Castlemaine Bacon Company,” Stephen said.
These days the volunteers visit streets and towns across the shire handing out lollies and icy poles to celebrate the festive season.
Donations from the community have helped to keep the 85 year tradition alive despite the club disbanding back in 2002.
“Many local families throw us a few dollars as we travel around and this has helped to keep things ticking over to ensure the tradition can be enjoyed by the next generation,” he said.
And of course the run wouldn’t be possible without their wonderful pool of volunteers.
“We have had volunteers come and go over the years but everyone is determined to see the run continue and we always have people prepared to give up their time on Christmas Day to help spread a little Christmas magic,” he said.
Cooper recalls fellow volunteer Doug Sharpe visiting his home as the big man in red when he was a child.
“I am really proud to now be part of that legacy and in recent years my children have also come on board,” Stephen said.
Chewton locals Bill and John Sikora have also been long time volunteers.
John first volunteered on the run in 1985 and Bill joined him the following year with the pair looking forward to their 36 consecutive run in 2022.
“We are proud to be a small part of this very special community initiative. The smiles on the kids’ faces keep us coming back, year after year,” Bill said.
The Guildford Grumpies Car Club Inc have once again chipped in a donation to support the work of the former Apex Club of Castlemaine and its annual Santa Run ensuring they can continue to spread Christmas cheer across an ever growing Castlemaine and surrounding communities.
Guildford Grumpies secretary Steve Cole said many of their members fondly remember the Santa Run from when they were children.
“I would visit my grandparents home at Chewton every Christmas and the Apex Santa Run was a real highlight. They whole town would turn out to greet Santa,” Steve recalled.
In 2022 Santa and his helpers will undertake five runs across the region.
Volunteers will gather from 6.30am and hit the road from around 7-7.30am on runs throughout Castlemaine and Campbells Creek, out to Chewton and Elphinstone and Guildford.
With housing estates across the region growing in size they may be a little later than usual as they get around to everyone. Look for signage in your town for times or listen for the bells, horns and Ho, Ho, Hos!