the next year?" That is the question I posed to Geoff Dickson, President and CEO of the Airport. I was, to say the least, a bit apprehensive. What if he says "No?" Will I quit the Commissionaires? Will I have to find a new job? Will my cat starve? All these little things that flash through your mind. Fortunately he said "Go for it." Thank Heavens … Geoff has been in full support of my events. All the airport people have been wonderful including airport staff, tenants, maintenance and, of course, Commissionaires … nothing but total support. This is but one example of why the Victoria International Airport was voted one of the Top 10 Most Loved Airports in the World.
Christmas lists. Christmas Eve I will return to the North Pole, pick up all the presents for the children and begin my annual deliveries. Christmas morning I will return to the NP – all the elves will have left on their holidays therefore Mrs. Claus and Santa can safely "Frolic in the Snow."
I'm sure there are many interesting situations you have come across as "Airport Santa." Can you share with us some of the more amusing ones? One of the things I love to do is put on my suit and take a stroll down the departures area to see and hear the comments. I get people to join me in a Christmas Carol, normally Jingle Bells or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It has a calming effect on the five-foot grandmother deciding to straighten out a six-footer who has butted into line, and has been known to bring a smile to the faces of folks who have just found out their aircraft has malfunctioned and they will have to wait for the next one. People are a never-ending source of enjoyment. Christmas is but one part of the year. Christmas can be magical – All you have to do is "Believe."
His life as Santa began in 1996. Alan's interest peaked when he found a way of fundraising for the Victoria Hospice after losing his wife of 28 years to cancer. He has now become known locally as the "Airport Santa."
What does being Santa mean to you? Initially being Santa was quite simply helping out the people I worked with. I had the figure and a beard so some of my staff asked if I would consider being Santa. The experience was phenomenal. I believe that it changed my life in that it was, without question, one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. The questions the kids asked were magical and I really had to be on my toes to answer some of them. As a Santa one must never tell an untruth. One must be careful not to make any promises that may hurt a child. That is one of the primary rules of "Santahood." When do you expect to be heading back to the North Pole? As you are well aware I will be very busy on the Island until Christmas Eve as I have to ensure all the children have given me their
Alan Paterson "Airport Santa" Alan Paterson has been employed at the Victoria International Airport since 2000 and is currently the Senior Security Supervisor of the Commissionaires. He had a successful career in the Royal Canadian Navy spanning 34 plus years.
He has this to say: "The kids are great, the elderly are wonderful, and for everyone in between … 'Believe.'"
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