can we tal k publisher sue hodgson talks with senior security supervisor of the victoria airport commissionaires, alan paterson, a.k.a. "airport santa" You began your life as Santa in 1996 while in the Navy. After losing your wife of 28 years to cancer in 2009, explain how Victoria Hospice became the fundraising partner for "Airport Santa?" The Hospice Staff are, without question, some of the finest people I have ever had the opportunity to be associated with. Their care and understanding helped both Sharon and myself face some very difficult times. As a result of this association I decided to try to raise funds to help the Hospice and help others going through what I did. You've just returned from Santa School in Calgary. This is a school founded by Victor Nevada, stage name "Santa Victor," who has been portraying Santa Claus since 1985 when he first started making appearances for the children of his real estate clients. Santa School is dedicated to providing top-notch "Santa Regional Representatives" for Christmas events and national media refers to Santa Victor as "Canada's Top Santa." What was the experience of attending the school like? The experience was tremendous in that it re-enforced all the things that I have tried to practise while being "Santa." The course itself was primarily based on how to present oneself. We went through practice presentations and were taught, by marvelous instructors, how to get, and hold, people's attention. We were shown by a makeup artist how to apply those rosy cheeks, how to stay cool when you are working in a rather hot suit … a myriad of things. Fundraising efforts are in full force at the airport and this year they involve raffle ticket sales for some unique prize giveaways. Can you let our readers know what they can expect and where to find you and your donation box? This year I have been blessed. I have been given three exceptional donations to be used as prizes for my raffle. Goldstream Avenue Bicycles owner Steven Hurdle has graciously donated a 700c Kona Dew (standard) Hybrid, with a lifetime tune-up and flat repair, and a Giro Indicator Helmet. Jose Brochez, a local 10 SEASIDE | december 2013
chain saw carver, has donated a four- to five-foot "Eagle with Salmon in its talons" carving in White Cedar. The first ticket drawn will have the choice of which prize they would like. Second ticket drawn will receive the other. South Island Excavating, owned by Chris Hall, has donated a $100 grocery gift certificate as third prize. All this will take place at the Arrivals Rotunda at the Victoria International Airport on January 9th at 12 p.m. during my annual "Santa Shave-off." I have Airport Firefighter, AnnaMarie Trelford, shave my beard, hair and eyebrows off – completely off. This is, for me, an annual culture shock. I enjoy doing it and have even had my grandchildren assist Anna in the event. I set up a display in the rotunda at the Airport and have a donation box available. I am always looking for people who would be interested in assisting me to sell raffle tickets, perhaps an organization or someone with some spare time. Tickets are available at Goldstream Bicycles in Langford and Beltone Hearing Care Centre on James White Boulevard in Sidney as well as at the Airport. Ask the Commissionaires and they will direct you to me. I can be reached at santaforthehospice.com or on Facebook – Santa for the Hospice. Not only do you fundraise at the airport, but you also take part in a number of other functions around the city. Where else might we find "Airport Santa" for the month of December? I do other events; some are private and some are for organizations in the Sidney and Victoria area. In the past I have attended the Capital City Yacht Club children's party, WestJet sponsored events, Yellow Cab sponsored events, numerous Retirement Residences. I have enjoyed them all. I request a donation to the Hospice for my time. My expenses are my donation to help Hospice (having said that if someone or a company would like to sponsor me in the future I would be hard pressed to turn them down). The airport staff and management team have supported your efforts every year. What does this mean to you? What would you, as an employer, do or say if some old guy came up to you and said "I would like to grow my hair and not shave for