The dedicated team at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care Service is hard at work all year round, so last Sunday the group decided to treat themselves and let the community to share a smile with Santa. 

Executive director Bonnie Bagnulo expressed the group’s immense thanks for all of the donations and support that goes into all of the free services that palliative care provides. 

“We are very blessed with the donations we receive,” she said.

“Today is our way of giving back to the community and it’s also our way of doing something that’s fun because death and dying is not always easy,” said Bagnulo. 

Tim Taylor volunteered his services at the community centre as Santa once again and visitors were able to pose for a photo, colour festive pictures and enjoy free delicious cookies and hot chocolate from Sweets & Swirls Cafe.

“I’m getting my knee sat on quite a bit, the kids are drawing and having fun. It’s great,” said Taylor.

Bagnulo said that this year alone Taylor has helped raise over $10,000 for palliative care, calling him “truly our gift.”

For one family in particular, NOTL Palliative Care providing the experience to meet Santa was especially important. 

Jeff Cowan and his family lost their vehicle after an accident, leaving them with no way to make a trip to see Santa.

Luckily, when they found out about Santa at the community centre, they were able to walk over from their home nearby. 

“Without this being here, we wouldn’t have seen Santa with the kids at all,” said Cowan. 

There is nothing like the holidays to give the community a boost. Santa’s visit prompted big smiles all around.

“It’s a time when all of the volunteers can get together and enjoy the smiles of the children and the healthy,” said Bagnulo. 

“What better time than time with Santa.”