Braving icy waters of the Niagara River, John Fulton donned his Jolly Red Elf suit and paddled into a milestone year on Monday, marking the 40th anniversary of Fort Erie’s Surfing Santa tradition.
The event, which began as a promotional stunt in 1985, has grown into a holiday staple for the town, drawing spectators to its shores. It raises awareness about homelessness in Niagara, and encourages donations of socks and underwear for people in need.
Fulton, affectionately known as Surfing Santa, landed at Mather Arch Park at 11 a.m. via helicopter to greet attendees and volunteers.
Event organizers set up donation stations at Mather Arch to benefit local charities including Start Me Up Niagara’s Mobile Closet and Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods.
After speaking to a crowd and taking photos with kids, Fulton launched his paddleboard into the river just after noon from the Lake Erie shore. Battling temperatures of –1 C, Fulton navigated a five-kilometre route down the river, arriving at Niagara Parks Marina.
Theresa Murphy, a board member from Strong Fort Erie Neighbourhoods, emphasized the importance of donations to the organization and its initiatives.
“The Niagara First project donates purses filled with nice things for women, and other collaborative initiatives we have, any kind of warm clothing is appreciated,” she said.
The 40th anniversary event was attended by Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates and Niagara Parks Commission chair Bob Gale, who all commended Fulton’s dedication to the cause and the community’s ongoing support.
Redekop noted the impact of the community’s support over the years.
“There are many people that have donated to help out those who are less fortunate than we are,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for all of us to be generous.”
Fulton added to the mayor’s call for donations, highlighting the need for more niche products.
”(Socks) and underwear, that’s an unmet need that we’re focusing on,” he said. “The last few days before Christmas when we’re all scrambling; stop and think that there’s other people out there that don’t have that.”
For more information on how to donate or Surfing Santa’s legacy, visit his Facebook page.
Rose Lambert is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at Niagara This Week.
