The local fascination with Santa continued this weekend with two visits from the man in red to The Little Pantry Café in Medowie and Central Health Alliance in Williamtown.

All for a good cause, the jolly Santa of the event, which was kindly hosted by Medowie’s The Little Pantry Café, was raising money for Rotary’s Shelter Boxes.

Photographer for the event, Mr Aaron McGowan, told Medowie News Of The Area, “A Shelter Box is a very large box and everything a family needs for a year should a natural or man-made disaster strike.”

Mrs Judy McGowan, coordinating the children, pets, and parents to ensure the line flowed smoothly, told Medowie News Of The Area, “They were used for the first time in Australia during the Victorian bushfires.”

“They cost $1000 each to produce and are flown all over the world to where they are needed.”

Santa wrote a special message, “Thank you to all the families for coming to get their photo taken and raise money for Shelter Boxes on behalf of Williamtown Rotary.”

Steve and Jenny Withey, from Noah’s Ark Veterinary Practice, brought their feather-baby, Jemima (4 months) a duck and dog, Finn (18 months) for a photo opportunity with Santa.

Mrs Withey told Medowie News Of The Area, “She’s our pet duck and we’ve brought her because she is going to the Tocal Field Days, so we’re socialising her to get used to people.”

Meanwhile at Williamtown’s Dr Paul Burford’s practice, Central Health Alliance, the region’s most famous Mr and Mrs Claus were also raising money for charity.

With customers able to take a selfie with Santa for a gold coin donation, or purchase a sausage sizzle, this community-minded medical practice raised money for local children’s medical charities.

For more information about the Shelter Boxes, visit www.shelterboxaustralia.com.au.

By Heather SHARP & Rachael VAUGHAN