Cavalcade Brings Santa Claus to Town

Father Christmas made his early annual visit to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital on 19 December 2013.

Santa Claus said: “I looked forward to this visit. It is always such a pleasure to take presents to the special patients at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and this year will be extra special because the children at Tygerberg and Groote Schuur Hospital will be getting presents too.”

This year Father Christmas’ reindeer will take him as far as Cape Town Stadium. A special vehicle cavalcade, put together by Game, Heart 104.9FM and the City of Cape Town, will escort him the rest of the way.

“Unfortunately my wife could not join me this year as she usually does for our special hospital visit. She needs to stay home and keep an eye on the elves because they left the North Pole in an absolute mess after our visit last year. The elves are a little afraid of my dear wife,” Father Christmas said.

But Santa Claus won’t be without company during his visit. Superman and his friends at Heart will be escorting him from Cape Town Stadium. The radio station and their partner, Game Stores, together with Newkidz on the Block will even be assisting Father Christmas with gifts this year as part of their annual toy drive.

Bernie Joshua, Game’s Electronic Media Manager, said: “We believe that we can make a difference and with Heart 104.9FM we have yet again embarked on a worthy initiative to help Father Christmas collect toys to brighten the lives of children over the festive season”.

“Heart104.9FM are proud partners for the second year of this great campaign, helping to help Father Christmas bring a little joy to children is the least we can do,” MD, Gary Petersen, said.

Father Christmas said: “Oh, I’m so delighted to have met Superman. I’m such a huge fan. And he was even so kind as to travel with me from the stadium. One gets so used to flying by sleigh that road travel becomes a bit scary for old men like me. Oh, Mrs Claus will be so jealous.”

Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, says: "Thank you for all our committed staff at the Children's Hospital for the love that you give our children. The passing over of Madiba has brought his love for children to the forefront, and it is in this spirit that we can celebrate Christmas this year. To our children, to our staff and our parents and caregivers, may I wish you all a blessed festive season."