Ian McIntosh, with his life and business partner, Joanne Lougheed, have been helping many people get their Christmas lists into the big guy despite the current state of the world.
Simcoe Santa is a project by IGM Photography which has Santa Claus meet one-on-one or with groups to go over lists and have conversations.
As Santa’s "special photographer helpers," McIntosh and Lougheed have been bringing Santa to families in Simcoe-Muskoka since 2018 at the Orillia Square Mall.
McIntosh said they started Simcoe Santa because they wanted to keep the magic of Santa alive and help families continue their holiday photo traditions during COVID and beyond.
“COVID-19 presented a big challenge for us as we had to find a way for kids and their families to stay safe and still enjoy a fun visit with their favourite jolly big elf,” said McIntosh. “I had the know-how and the tech, and Joanne had the scheduling and organizational experience, so we rose to the challenge and Simcoe Santa began.”
Included in the virtual visit are unique photos and special keepsake videos. Every visit to Simcoe Santa sees $5 donated to Easter Seals Ontario Children's charity and other local charities through the project’s corporate partner program.
Simcoe Santa also reaches farther north than this region as Northern Ontario communities also get to meet, virtually, with the man in red.
“Altogether, we helped Santa visit with 20 classes. During the 30- to 40-minute classroom visits, Santa chats with each of the students in class about what the students have been learning,” said McIntosh. “Santa answers their questions about life at the North Pole and how Santa gets his magic. The class also enjoys storytime with Santa and is visited by Santa's Singing Elf.”
Simcoe Santa is providing live virtual visits for families every day, up to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The interactive virtual visits include a sharable video of the visit and a digital keepsake photo. Photo packages are also available.
Families can book their visit through Simcoe Santa's online calendar here.
