Kiwanis Club brings Santa

This year marks the 24th

ing and balloon-art.

he said. "Little girls usually

year that the Kiwanis Club

want a dolly and little boys

has   organised   Santa's

The man of the hour was

want a truck."

Landing for the children of

Cayman's own Santa Claus -

Grand Cayman. The turnout

otherwise known as Roger

Santa Claus got a lift from

was bigger than expected - a

Bodden, a director of the

Island Air; with a short tour

total of 450 presents were

Kiwanis Club, who donned

around the island with a

given out to boys and girls

the familiar red suit for the

select few very lucky children

and everyone got into the

15th time this year

on board. One little boy kept

spirit of the season.

turning around to make sure

"Although it was more

Santa was still sitting in the

The Kiwanis Club is

difficult to organise the club

back of the plane.

focused on children, and the

for the past few months, as

Cayman branch has made

everyone had personal issues

When the plane touched

numerous donations to the

to deal with, I am pleased

down and Santa started

hospital and schools.

that we are able to be here

walking towards the large

for the children," he said.

group of children and parents

For Santa's Landing, elec-

waiting for him, the smiles

tricity provider Caribbean

Bodden loves the joy and

and shouts of greetings and

Utilities Co (CUC) donated

excitement he can bring to

"Ho ho ho's" would have

a large tent to protect from

the children when he is

gotten anyone in the right

the grey clouds looming

dressed up. "They say things

frame of mind.

above, as well as generator

like 'I love you Santa' and

power for the hot dogs,

'God bless you Santa' and it is

For the next few hours,

popcorn and cotton candy

very heart-warming!"

Santa met with hundreds of

machines.

children and with the assis-

He tries to spend a couple

tance of elf and PR and

'Weekend warriors' and

of minutes with each child

promotions director Mary

Kiwanis volunteers were at

and asks them what they

McCallum,      everyone

hand to help with manning

want for Christinas. "Most

received a present, a smile

the bouncy castle, face paint-

children have simple wishes,"

and even a photo with Santa.

               Source: Cayman Observer Christmas Issue 2004