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Christmas comes early for Orillia's chief elf

Doug Bunker praised for his dedication and enthusiasm; Orillia Santa Claus parade winners recognized
2018-11-19 bunker recognized
Doug Bunker, centre, received a plaque at Monday night's council meeting recognizing his 30-plus years as the driving force behind Orillia's Santa Claus parade. Eleanor Tinney, left, co-chair of the parade, presented Bunker the award, with Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke. Dave Dawson/OrilliaMatters

Orillia’s chief elf received an early Christmas present Monday night.

Doug Bunker, one of the primary organizers of Orillia’s Santa Claus Parade for more than three decades, was surprised at Monday night’s council committee meeting when he was presented a plaque for his efforts – and received a rousing standing ovation from dozens who were in attendance.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” Bunker said upon accepting the plaque from parade co-chair Eleanor Tinney.

But anyone who knows Bunker knows he’s worthy of the accolade.

“On behalf of the entire Santa Claus parade and personally as co-chair of the parade, I want to tell you how often we see this man work,” said Tinney. “His 30-plus years of participation, dedication and hard work help make our parade … one of the best north of Toronto.”

While Bunker is a paid employee of the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce, Tinney said it’s obvious the parade is a passion for Bunker.

“We know Doug is a paid event organizer, but I can tell you from personal experience that he is also a volunteer because no one could afford to pay him for all the hours he works on the Santa Claus parade. His dedication and enthusiasm and knowledge ... makes our job easier and more fun.”

Bunker said he has been involved with the parade since before he started working for the chamber and admitted he has a “passion” and a “soft spot” for the annual event. 

“It’s really the people in this town who make it happen,” he said. “Hats off to all of you for making it great.”

And this year’s parade, held Sunday, was a good one, he said.

“I would like to thank our committee for doing a great job and Mother Nature for making it one of the busiest parades we’ve seen in a while,” he said.

Bunker then handed out awards to various winners.

Large Commercial (over 25 employees)

  • Winner: Shoppers Drug Mart 
  • Runner-up: Lakehead University  

Small Commercial

  • Winner: Avaia Salon and Spa
  • Runner-up: Going with Gibb

Youth Group

  • Winner: Tapp’s Performing Arts
  • Runner up: Ecole Samuel de Champlain

Service Club, Social Club and Local Club

  • Winner: Orillia Metal Detecting Club
  • Runner-up: Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Nurses Alumni

Religious Group

  • Winner: St. Athanasius Anglican Church
  • Runner-up: The Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter

Walking Group

  • Winner: Orillia Midwives
  • Runner-up North River Riders

Best Overall Float: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orillia and District.

Bunker also thanked OPP staff in addition to Orillia firefighters and volunteer firefighters for their assistance alongside staff from both the city’s public works department and Orillia Power.

He also was appreciative of Kiwanis Club members who walked the parade route as part of the bucket brigade to secure donations.

In addition, he thanked the Orillia Legion for hosting an after-party for participants.

 “We couldn’t do this without volunteers and I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce Yuletide Committee for all their hard work,” said Bunker.

If you missed the parade, it will be aired on Rogers TV at various dates and times in December.


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Dave Dawson

About the Author: Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is community editor of OrilliaMatters.com
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