Enjoy the music

As many of you know I am a huge fan of sports, hockey is the game that is closest to my heart .With the playoffs starting (and about to end in the case of some teams) I am like all others who sit down every second night for 3 hours and watch their favorite teams play. Mrs. Santa calls herself a hockey widow but after so long she knows that this is something that I have a passion for and have done all my life. As the Vancouver Canucks season is coming to a screeching halt you can really see the vultures starting to circle. Example this morning on my way into the workshop I was listening to the local sports radio show and there is this morning radio host, Dave Pratt that is the king of sports drama! Don't get me wrong Pratt at times brings up some very valid points in regards to hockey but usually it's the whole Chicken Little debate and the sky is falling. This morning on " As the Pratt turns " he actually said that “Vancouver fans will lose all the good will they built up if the Canucks lose the series to Calgary" that is a drama statement if I have ever heard one. Look I understand that the Canucks faithful, myself included will be disappointed if the Canucks loose but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves Mr. Pratt. We have 3 rookies making an impact, 2 in the head office and one behind the bench. This team has done so much better than what was expected of them after that debacle that was last season. For the first time in a long time we have some promise in the form of young talent coming up , we have a president who absolutely bleeds wanting to see winning in this city  and I don’t think for one minute that he will step back and feel that a first round exit is near good enough . In the grand scheme of things I feel that if a loss to Calgary does happen it will be a fantastic opportunity for Trevor Linden to put a huge stamp on this team and a bigger imprint on this community more than he has so far. Basically what I am saying to Mr. Pratt and all the other negative Nancy’s out there, we got to the dance it’s too bad that our feet got sore and we had to sit back and just listen to the music but be sure that come the next time the music starts playing we will have learned to wear better shoes. In the words of Dave Pratt " Trust Me". Support your local team, family member , organization or anyone who is busting their ass and trying as hard as they can with the talent they were given to work with, don't just focus on the negative. NOT OVER TIL ITS OVER  still love you Dave

I love My Canucks in good and bad times. I am Proud of all of them.

#GiftaFriend

Friends are gifts, why not gift a friend

I have created 2 new shirts in the Santa Charity shirt store for two amazing reasons, one is to let your friends know that you care about them and that you are thinking about them, and the second reason is to raise money for the Secret Santa Project for underprivileged children in our communities.

How cool would it be to open up a package you didn’t know was coming and know that one of your friends sent you something for no other reason than to let you know they care? #giftafriend will be a hashtag I will be using to let the world know what we are about to do  , the shirts come in all different colors and sizes so why not surprise a friend today while helping to support the FVsecretsantaProject. Simply put it’s a Win Win.

I would hope that most of you reading this will have had the chance to visit the Santa store and have a look around, see the new shirts that have arrived. Just remember the color of the shirts that I post are not the only option you have, lots of colors and sizes are available.

A reminder there is now a Facebook page set up for both the FVSECRETSANTAPROJECT  (https://www.facebook.com/pages/FVsecretsanta-Project/320773941445663 ) as well as the Santa Shirt Store (https://www.facebook.com/pages/FV-Santa-Charity-Shirt-Store/1402518163383586 )

I am humbled by the response to the Chris Claus facebook and @fvsecretsanta twitter pages , the more the name gets out the more good we can do.

I am happy to announce that the first shirts sold have arrived in East Sussex , England . I am sure that Rachel will send pictures soon, I do not have the words to describe the appreciation I feel for her belief in the pursuit of a world with healthy and happy children. I am excited to see the fvsecretsanta brand start to make an appearance overseas. www.1029038.spreadshirt.ca

I have tried to make it as easy as possible for everyone to be able to access the store either through the site link itself or through www.fvsecretsanta.com , if there is any other way that you can think of just let me know. I am going to try and bring in some shirts so that I have stock in hand and can give some away through draws and appreciation events that I will be having in the coming months.

Just don’t forget for everyone who buys a shirt or donates to Fvsecretsanta.com and the fvsecretsantaProject will have their name or company name and web link posted on my website under the community cares tab. What a great way to show the world that you and your organization care. Check out the people that are on there now and say thank you.

I would encourage you to share this blog as well as the links above, together we can make a difference.

Stay classy #TeamSanta and be kind

Moments in time

So much is said about that one single moment when your life goes either left or right, the  wrong choice made or that one chance you had to do something different with your life. We all have sat around and thought geez things would have been different if I had just done it this way. All of this is true!  unfortunately I am a person that believes that there is no one moment in time that would have changed our lives completely. Sure when I was younger I thought many times that my life was over, whoa is me how can I survive? I screwed up ! But through it all I am still here , imagine that. I honestly believe that if I didn't have not just one defining moment but several of them I would not be who I am today , I would never have met my wife and I would never be a very proud father to 3 incredible boys. I know it's a cliché but it's true " what doesn't kill you makes you stronger " we all have times in our lives that we can consider "defining" but the next time something happens to you, try and think "it's not the moment that defines you , it's you who will define that moment". 

WWSD

FVSECRETSANTA 

Project FVsecretsanta

I had a vision of being able to co-ordinate a funding drive to help supply games toys and books to underprivileged children in our communities. I figure for 100 children to start it will end up costing about $10 per child so my goal was $1000.00 . Here is how it would work. 

Though donations and sales of Fvecretsanta project T-Shirts the money would be funneled back into gift bags full of books and games that will allow children not to be left out for birthdays or holidays. I can get a list of low income families that access our community services and find 100 birthdays throughout the year. When a child who would otherwise not receive anything on their special day a gift will arrive from #TeamSanta. It may not be a large and extravagant gift but the family and the child will know that there are people in the world that care and would love to make their child smile. I have been able to track down some 3D interactive games that children will love to play with, next is books and I have a wholesaler who is willing to sharply discount the prices to make this affordable and accessible for Fvsecretsanta. I am also looking into printed gift bags that would allow community and world sponsors to have their names boldly displayed and shown as a community smiles contributor . I know that money is hard everywhere that's why getting a shirt is a great way to get something in return for the kind donations you have made. I ask that if anyone reading this can help or knows a company that has a donations budget and could spare a few dollars to make this dream a reality it would be much appreciated. I will also be looking into GoFundme , not sure how it works but I am willing to try if it means we can help , I hear it can produce amazing results. Spread this blog follow fvsecretsanta project on face book , the more people that know the better chance we have at success. Santa doesn't have to deliver just at CHRISTMAS.

FvsecretSanta 

THE CURVE BALL

 

I built it, hopefully you will come. The Charity Shirt Store is open .I searched all over the place for a company that would try and work with me and accommodate my request for minimum orders of shirts with the understanding that when I sell them I will be buying more and more, it was the long way around to my $1000.00 goal for Variety Club BC http://www.variety.bc.ca/ and the fvsecretsanta.com Project. Unfortunately this was not possible due to financial restraints and min order quantities. I have no hard feelings I understand business is business. Not to be denied I continued to search. I found a great forum to display my shirt designs and to hopefully raise money for 2 of the things close to my heart, children and the fvsecretsanta Project.

Variety BC is important to me for a number of reasons, when my niece was born she was a very sick little girl and the people from Variety were amazing. Also when I was younger I was a part of the variety club telethon as a volunteer. Seems like many many moons ago now. I want to help them and know that I have been a part of their continued kindness and inspiration for children and the parents of sick children everywhere.  

The “Fvsecretsanta Project” is something new that I am working on. Throughout the year I hope to raise enough money to complete a min 100 packages for underprivileged children in our communities. These packages will consist of Books, games and a toy for each child that has none. The coolest part is that I hope to recruit volunteers to help make deliveries all over the province, country and eventually the world.

THE MORE PEOPLE THAT KNOW ABOUT Fvsecretsanta on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , through fvsecretsanta.com and read this Santa Space the better, there is more likely the chance to achieve the goals set out. I am not asking for you to spend money that you don’t have, but I would like to ask for your help in getting the word out for Santa. Also with increased awareness for the charity projects we could have a better chance that a company or companies will align with Santa and offer to buy the toys, or the books or donate funding towards the project. For those who may not have seen I have offered to anyone who makes a $100.00 pledge, a charity shirt with a company or personal name on it, space on Fvsecretsanta.com in the community cares page. Its great advertisement to let the world know that you care about your community and helping others.

I appreciate all who read this and who share Santa with the world for taking just a few moments to retweet, share and Like my Facebook and twitter pages. I hope that you will continue to follow and build Fvsecretsanta with me. Thank you

Respect is earned , Not given

I write this At the risk of alienating myself from some members of the celebrity population, if so that’s too bad I guess .

I can only imagine what life must be like when you have throngs of reporters or paparazzi hanging on your every move, following you to snap a picture of some sort of diabolical nose picking incident or plastering your name all over the tabloids for gaining a pound or two. For that I apologize on behalf of the people who could really care less, your private lives are your own and I believe it should stay that way. On the other hand, sometimes athletes, movie stars or musicians are absolutely ridiculous. Take the act of Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks, people are paying thousands of dollars to watch him play, hundreds of dollars on a jersey to support the team and he is getting millions to play a game in a fantastic league and all he chooses to do is come out each week and make a mockery out of the team, the fans and the NFL. I am not really sure what he is trying to accomplish with his act but it's really getting old. We don’t want to hear about what you ate last night , we want to hear how you feeling about the game , what’s going to help you be best prepared to play in the championship, instead we get “ I’m just here so I don’t get fined” . Some say he is riddled with anxiety , I am no doctor but if he would just come out say " I love playing football" "the fans are great" " I will do my best to win" there would be a lot less anxiety based situations for him to be in. He is putting himself ahead of the team and the game. Someone said to me this morning “it’s a violation of human rights to ask him questions”! What a load of BS that is, go give that human rights speech to people starving in Africa, genocide in Rwanda, the holocaust survivors and see how much sympathy you receive. Plain and simple just give the fans, your teammates and the game a little respect that's all anyone is looking for. I am a diehard fan of all sports but I will admit when I see players like Marshawn Lynch, Sean Avery, Terrell Owens, Ocho Cinco, Milton Bradley, Allen Iverson, Pacman jones, Rampage Jackson, A-rod and the list can go on and on, I now simply choose to turn off the TV. I don’t want to paint all celebrities and sports stars with the same brush, for one it’s not fair and two because there is more Fantastic people than there is bad. That’s like saying all the Santa’s of the world are alike, NOT SO ;). This is some of the best people that I have experienced in my life. #1 on my list is recording artist Bif Naked, she takes the time to interact with her fans, and she genuinely cares what is happening in her world and the world of all who surround her. I have the utmost respect for her and the battles that she has faced. Some of the other notables just here in Vancouver are Trevor Linden, Travis Lulay, Bro Jake Edwards, Robin Stickley, Sarah Daniels, Chris Galius, Ronnie Negus, Marco Iannuzzi, BClions, and Corin Nemic. These are just some of the people in MY area that GET IT. If you take the time to follow them on twitter or Facebook you will see what I mean. these people understand that its important to give respect to their fans ( The ones that deserve it and show respect back of course). If you have a celeb or sports star that you know of that is great to interact with and takes time to show respect to their fans let me know because I will support them just as they support you.

 

 “We just ask for a little respect”

@Fvsecretsanta / fvsecretsanta.com / Chris Claus on facebook

Over active mind

I never run out of things to write about, maybe it's because my mind doesn't ever stop , I think if I did slow down I would probably pass out from all the extra oxygen that's flooding my brain. Like for instance I am sitting here watching tennis and thinking about a million different ways that I can get people interested in helping to raise awareness about social issues , sick children, hungry and abused animals , then I step  outside For some air and I think " geez it's chilly wonder if people have enough blankets , has Bernard the homeless man who lives under the 264 over pass gotten enough to eat . Not sure if this is a curse or a blessing sometimes. I think this is just a product of my environment. Or is it that now that I am in the back half of my life ( yes I passed the 40 mark ) I reflect more on the experience that I have gained throughout my time on this earth. As most of you know I grew up with not much money but a whole lot of love. I'm sure  there is many of you that are shaking your head and saying "me too". It's that love that has brought me to this point and keeps carrying me through to this day . My wife has got to be the most supportive person I have ever known along with Granny Santa of course. I may not have sold many bracelets I may not sell any shirts hats or gloves but to her it doesn't matter, she loves my heart and willingness to keep trying to make a difference in my little piece of this world . I want to apologize to her for the times I must drive her nuts and in the same breath say thank you for continuing to show me how to love  my family , the world but most of all myself. 

Be kind 

Fvsecretsanta 

Fundraising is hard sometimes

It gets Harder with each passing day. I have been working on 2 fundraising ideas for awhile now and not sure just what I can do with them. With the holiday season ended and having lost money on the last fundraiser I am hesitant about starting something new. 

With the help of a Santa follower Jonathan jones from jmjgraphicdesign.com we were able to come up with a fantastic logo for fvsecretsanta.com in hopes that creating a brand will help the quest for establishing a positive voice for Charity. If you need anything created for your site, team or yourself  please give him a chance he has a big heart and even bigger talent for making your vision into reality. 

I would have loved to keep the shirt costs down to a minimum but unfortunately I can't  get under $20 , as an individual with no corporate backing there is a ton of print shops willing to print for me but most have minimum orders and I just can't afford to do it for cheaper. The shirts I do sell , proceeds will go to Varietybc and Canuck place children's hospice approx $1.25 per shirt . Now you see why I wanted the cost down , it would mean more for the children. The other Fundraiser that I was looking into was the cotton smart gloves that allow you to still type on your phones and tablets while keeping your hands warm and cozy , that one is $250.00 just to get a minimum run done. I will keep my head down and charge the mountain to find funding and to sell a few shirts and gloves to help sick children find a way to be healthy and grow up to live long and healthy lives. 

If you are interested in a shirt let me know , you can use PayPal fvsecretsanta@hotmail.com and add the size you want and I will order it in $20.00 plus $6 to ship . If you would just like to donate to the site to help get either of these fundraisers going I would appreciate all the help I can get. If it's not possible I would ask that you continue to share Santa with the world and the more people that follow , the more chance there is to make each fundraiser as successful as it truly can be. 

REMEMBER YOUR DREAMS 

be kind to everyone you meet 

Fvsecretsanta 

That one good friend

Besides Mrs. Santa or your partner, We all have that one friend in this world that you can always count on to listen when you need it, laugh with until it hurts, cry when you are upset and the odd time find the perfect way to get in trouble WITH , without even trying! My friend “T” is that guy that and realizing that it's been about 20 years now that I have known him I want to share a memorable story with you. I have to admit he has tried his best to pull Santa out of some low points and has been successful every single time. One of the things that I will never forget was the weekend that we went to Williams Lake Stampede. Yes it was a yearly pilgrimage (not only an Elf but a Cowboy too) but this one time was different. I was feeling down from personal issues and was going to skip the year’s Rodeo but through motivation we decided to go after work and make the 6 hour drive to party with 20 of our other friends who were already there. Glad Joe was driving because Santa and “T” had quite a few road pops in the passenger seat (not smart) on the way up. Arrived around 7 am campground was quiet all our other friends sleeping, yah that didn't last long. Allegedly the rumor was Santa pee'd on someone's trailer who was not a part of our group, ALLEGEDLY.in my defense I thought they were with our group , oooops . As you can see the weekend was going to get sideways in a hurry and this was only Friday. Over the course of the weekend he bailed me out of the bull pen , put me to bed when I really needed a rest but most of all let me do what I thought I needed to do to feel better , this was exactly what I needed and what a true friend should do. To cap off the weekend, Sunday night! Sitting around the campfire “T” says the we have to go home in the morning, back to reality so why not drink "All the Beer" so me always the team player had to support my buddy , we stayed up all night laughing and joking and yes there was not a beer to be had in the morning ! On the drive home in his infinite wisdom or post “all the beer” hangover he says let's stop at Tim Horton’s “I need coffee”, me with my large 2 cream , him shoehorned in the back seat with his double double  Joe driving, we hit the road for the long drive home. 20 minutes into the journey he remembers he's lactose intolerant! The poor gas station attendant at 108 mile house I am sure was not expecting to spend the next couple hours with 3 Cowboys! I never laughed so hard in my whole life. We both were saddled with nicknames that weekend that will never be forgotten! I needed a friend and that’s what I got. The power of friendship is in my opinion the best and most wonderful thing that any of us could ever experience. So many people come and go during the span of your life so If you have that one friend that you can always count on no matter what, let them know that they mean the world to you even if it is just a simple phone call to say “Hi” . Thanks T for being a great friend

Hello friends

As I start to sink my teeth into the new year and put the holiday season behind us I must admit I have been working hard to try and secure helpers and backers to get my next Christmas fundraising campaign off the ground, unfortunately I have had zero success so far. The last couple that I have done have sadly failed miserably. I am not sure wether it's the economy or or lack of enthusiasm but the fundraising and helping others business isn't what it used to be. Now a days there is so many that have their hands out that it can be difficult to know who to support, maybe that's part of the issue. I have started to research new ways to be more effective in my quest. If anyone has any ideas , let me know. I as  most people find that after the holidays end there is some melancholy that creeps in but also a sense of wonder what the year ahead will bring. So far the new year has seen a large amount of violence all around the world , France , Nigeria, Ukraine and sadly even here in my home country of Canada. I am not sure about you but I find myself avoiding the evening news more often than not because I am tired of the daily violence. Well for now I will continue to try and see the good in all people, try to remain positive and hopefully with your help one day see team Santa being the lead news story and becoming an inspiration for others to follow! Thank you for reading this and most importantly thank you for your support and friendship. 

Fraser Valley Secret Santa 

2015 resolution

As one year closes we prepare to get a jump start on the next. We conjour  up resolutions that we aspire to achieve , we party like its 1999 and wake up with a sore noodle and tell ourselves " maybe I will start tomorrow instead"unfortunately that tommorow most times keeps getting pushed off .As  for me, I will be finding and setting my resolutions , but I will be staying home to prepare for the new year. Mrs Santa and I are having a wonderful meal with our 3 boys then maybe watch a movie. I asked my 9 year old what his goal for next year was and he responded with " I want to learn how to make my own video game and program computers" Me at 9, I was just wanted to walk and chew gum at the same time , I asked the 2 yr old what he wanted to do and he said "no dad , woody & buzz" ( toy story movie for the non parents ) then there was the 6yr old whose response was " I want to listen to people more " I thought wow , maybe we are on the right track until I started thinking, maybe  he was just buttering me up to get desert. I must admit I was very proud that they all had their own ideas and goals and have taken the time to think of what's important to them. 

I personally have a few goals that I would like to reach this year and I don't mind sharing with all of you. Firstly I am going to try and be more patient starting  at home with my family , this has not been an easy year for us with my health my wife's health and the loss of loved ones along with a career change , whew sometimes it felt overwhelming and amazingly frustrating. Patience with FVSecretSanta.com as I have to realize that it takes time to get it up and going to peak performance. And most of all patience with my fund raising ideas, I sometimes want to do so much but need to understand that at times I have to be happy with the efforts not the results. I can't force people to follow and support MY ideas , they are my own , just like my children's ideas. My wife and children  teach me so much. 

I can honestly say that I think this is going to be a great year for the Santa Family&Friends , I just have that feeling. 

I wish everyone everywhere all the best for the year to come , I promise that I will do my best to find more ways to make and create smiles on more people's faces this year , so share this , tell everyone you know and stick with Santa, let's have a magical 2015 

Letter from Santa

 

 

 To my friends around the world:

Every year on Christmas Eve I take some time to look back on what has happened in my life over the last year and what special events have taken place with my children and my wife. Its been an emotional year on many fronts.  There have been sickness and loss of loved ones. We have seen new additions to our family in the form of a rescued Chihuahua from the streets of Las Vegas named Astro. From career changes, launching of FVsecretsanta.com and many more events  I am happy to say that through inevitable change the constant remains, love, and the Santa family have a lot of it.  I also like to reflect on the world events that have shaped our landscape and the way that we live our daily lives. I as like so many others find myself questioning the human spirit at times , watching each day as violence escalates around the world and even right here at home in our own back yards. I believe that we have come to a tipping point in history that is about to be written.  Working together we all have a chance to tip the scales in a positive direction and bring back a renewed sense of hope and resilience. We need to stop preying on the weak, harming our fellow men and women and senselessly taking human life while believing  that equality matters and standing up for those who are down is something that will make us all successful.   This world needs our help starting one person at a time and I am ok if it was to start with me. I know there are so many good people trying to do the same and I applaud you for your efforts, we will make and be the change we want to see in the world. In the end it will not matter to anyone the color of your skin, where you live, how much you have or don’t have, or what God you have chosen as your guide ,we  all started out on this earth and will end our time with one common theme, we took our first and last breath the exact same way. I try and do my best to help others for the simplest of reasons, I am no more special than anyone else! So why shouldn’t I help those in need to experience the joys of this life that have been brought to me. I may not  have a much, more than some and less than others  but I am very fortunate to be surrounded by so much love, why not share it. I will never be a huge mega star or even be a house hold name and nor do I want to be that's why I remain a SecretSanta , but what I do inspire to be, is an inspiration.

 I have some ideas on fundraising for the coming year and hopefully they will be more successful than this year’s events have been, I know that times are hard all around but I do see things improving. This year we have been able to send packages to places as far away as Australia, Spain, Italy, England, Mexico, USA and Canada. We have given away IPads , Christmas Trees , Wristbands , Light blocks , Food for food banks , Money for animal shelters , clothes for the homeless , tickets for sporting events, gift cards and many more items.  I love when someone gets a package and posts the pictures to the internet and shares Fraser Valley Secret Santa and Team Santa with the world, it allows more people to experience a random act of kindness.

I try my best to do what I can all year long to help people out, unfortunately I can’t help everyone. With FVsecretsanta.com up and running, the creation of a new Facebook page growing and Twitter now closing in on 25,000 followers hopefully there will be someone or some organization that will want to join alongside Santa and continue to perform even more random acts of kindness around the world, raise money for local food banks and animal shelters  to make sure that no one ever goes hungry while trying to make people smile a little bit more because as Mrs. Santa says “you can’t cry if you are smiling”.

I hope that you will continue to follow along with FV Secret Santa all year long because the giving will continue  

From the Santa Family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, a safe prosperous New Year filled with love and smiles. 

Santa , Mrs. Santa , B,A,T and Astro, Eva

 

Smiles Kindness & Magic

As most of you know by now, when I see kindness, experience the joy of a smile or attend an event that is magical I am usually the first one to write about it and tell the world exactly what I think. I also point out the negative when I see it too. This time we have no negativity to speak of because we have experienced smiles, kindness and a magical event all in one place.

Tonight Mrs. Santa and I packed up the family and brought along Auntie Trish, Jax and Grammy Santa and headed to North Pole BC and met some amazingly talented people.

Right from the moment we walked through the door we were greeted with smiles and energy that just set the mood for the entire evening. The kids were in amazement from the first stop at the post office where the imagination was on full alert looking for the fairies and dropping a letter off for Santa. As we made our way around the venue the kids just became more and more excited and interactive with the elves truth be told I was a wee bit embarrassed when the oldest said out loud he didn't want to have an elf name but by the end of elf school he was clapping dancing and best of all smiling along with the rest.

I am sure that you have heard the story about mini Santa having a poop attack the first time he met Santa ( obviously the one who subs in for me when I am busy ) but the Santa who was at North Pole BC was amazing! 30 minutes into our adventure we had hugs and high fives for Santa from the little one. From making cookies to stuffed animals and a story from Mrs. Claus to the children, it really was a fantastic outing for the whole family.

Martin and Victoria do an amazing job with the event and the elves look, act and feel like they are having fun while working, but isn’t that what elves do anyways ? So nice to see. Reminds me of the staff at Loco Landing in Penticton and you know how much I love them.  If you have the chance stop in at the Tradex in Abbotsford and experience your own magic. Tell them Santa says hi and maybe a candy cane will come your way.  We will return next year for their Charity night festivities. Thanks Northpolebc.com for a great evening

 

I must make a special mention to the staff and friends of Sunrise Toyota and the Fraser valley auto mall, and every single person that helped to donate in Abbotsford  $50,000 in food and money donations for the local food bank , an amazing fundraising effort for the holiday season ! I am extremely proud to know these fine people and hope to say a personal thank you for their commitment to kindness. Great job everyone

 

Have a great day, Talk to you soon

I CELEBRATE CHRISMAS

 

Unfortunately It’s true I observe and celebrate the Christmas season in the way that I want to not the way YOU want me too. Since starting the Fraser Valley Secret Santa page I have seen the good, the bad and the downright ugly of how some perceive the holiday season. I have been called a Racist because I have only posted pictures of a white Santa ( SANTA IS ANY COLOR GENDER OR RACE THAT YOU SEE HIS SPIRIT TO BE ), I have been called a liar from those who have said I don’t really help people and I am just looking for attention and I have been accused of boosting my like numbers and using the food bank and social issues to do so. This I would like to address! Have I asked for more likes, yes I have and if that’s what it takes to get more people to think about donating to the Food Bank, thinking about animals and sick children and how they could use our help, I’m guilty and my job is complete, I have not FORCED anyone to like me, people do that on their own, no one has brainwashed anyone to magically love Christmas, it’s  something that everyone who’s liked this page just does.  As for Helping with fund raising efforts, it is something that I do because I feel that I need to do it, I do not force feed my feelings on anyone, I just hope some will be inspired to join in and make our communities a little bit better. So I am a little bit confused as to why there are some individuals that feel the need to try (and I stress try) to inflict their beliefs and hatred of Christmas upon me. The Santa page was set up for ME, my family and the people that choose to celebrate the holidays in the same way. If you are one of the people who do not celebrate the holidays in the same manner as my family or  thousands of others, I am sure that you can find better ways to spend your time .There are other pages that feel the same as you! please go find them. I may not be your traditional Santa and I do not feel the need to justify myself with my fundraising efforts but if you truly want to know about me take a few minutes before you start to pop off about Santa or the people that have been helped and Google Fraser Valley Secret Santa, READ MY BLOGS go on to FVsecretsanta.com. On the Santa Space posts I try and inform everyone every time there’s a random present drop or have observed a good deed.  I may not be your run of the mill Santa, I don’t claim to be! What I am is a guy that DOES help the homeless, DOES help the hungry, DOES try and help children’s charities and simply DOES not hold a person’s skin color religion or background against them. Every person in my opinion is the same color and it’s the shade of human.  I am the first to admit that I LOVE the holiday season and what it represents peace, love, family and joy for so many and Hope to those who have none.  To those with the argument that Christmas is too commercialized and expensive, my response will always be the same, I agree but for me  it’s not about how much money you spend on gifts or how many gifts you buy it’s about being with family and friends, showing love to people that need our help. If you become broke after the holiday season that is your own fault, no one forces you to live outside your means, you have done that to yourself trying to impress people or keep up with the so called Jones’s. This is all blunt and honest and I apologize to those who may be offended by what I am saying but this is how I feel, surely some had no problem telling me how they felt when they called me a racist and a liar. Having no sponsors, I have spent countless of my own dollars over the years creating smiles running a website that helps anyone who needs a message sent or fundraiser advertised for free of charge so that it cuts down at least one of their advertising costs, or someone with a disability can try and sell there handmade arts and crafts to earn some pocket money. I am not just a pop up now for the holiday’s kind of person, I have been a Secret Santa for a long time in the Fraser valley before Facebook and Twitter and I will continue to be for many years after. I hope you continue to like and follow Santa , if you choose not to, I understand that also. I wish you all prosperity, good health and a
Very Merry Christmas.

THE SHINY BLUE BIKE

This is my attempt at writing a Christmas style children's story for my kids, especially for the little one who just wants to be soooo big. be kind in your review I am a Santa not a writer :)

Barrett sat on the curb day after day watching his brothers ride their bikes

 

Barrett wanted to have a bike of his own but his mom and dad said "you are too small maybe when you get Bigger"

 

Barrett knew he was not too small, he was a big boy!  walking away he let out a sigh! 

 

 

Barret got an idea, an idea on how he could get a bike  

 

Barrett thought “maybe Santa will bring me a shiny Blue bike for Christmas”!.

 

Even though it was Spring  and Barrett knew Christmas was a long way away

 

He hurried up to his room with a pencil and some  paper to write Santa a letter

 

In his best words he wrote “Dear Santa, I reeeeeally would like a shiny Blue bike for Christmas so I can ride with my brothers, Love Barrett"

 

Barrett asked mom for an envelope, she wrote in big letters “ATTN: Santa” on the front,

 

Barrett filled with excitement made the long walk to the post box, reached up on his tip toes and mailed his letter off to Santa  

 

Months passed and as Christmas grew closer Barrett became more excited! he could not stop thinking about that shiny blue bike that he asked Santa for.

 

 Christmas morning finally had arrived, Barrett jumped out of bed before anyone else and ran down the stairs to see if Santa had come! He had

 

Under the tree was filled with beautiful packages, Barrett looked at each package with his name on it, his smile began to fade when he realized there was no shiny blue bike

 

Though he was disappointed, he thought to himself Maybe Santa didn't get his letter, or maybe Santa didn’t think he was big enough? Barrett felt Sad.

 

Mom asked " Barrett what's wrong?” Barrett said “I really wanted a shiny Blue bike so I could ride and play with my brothers” Mom gave Barrett a big hug and said maybe next Christmas.

 

Barrett, with a half-smile said  “ it’s ok mom, Santa has his reasons , maybe someone needed a bike more than me this year, I will play with my new toys and wait until I am bigger”

 

Even though Barrett knew he was big enough to ride a bike, he went to his room and decided to write another letter to Santa " Dear Santa, thank you for my new toys, I am sad because really wanted a shiny blue bike but I am happy with what you brought for me”

 

With dinner in the oven and presents all unwrapped, Mom asked  Barrett “Barrett do you want to put your shoes on to go outside and play”

 

Barrett agree'd and walked down the stairs with his letter to Santa in his hand and head slunk down low.

 

As Barrett opened the garage to put his shoes on he spotted something glowing

 

The most beautiful shiny Blue bike he could have ever imagined.

 

Barrett raced over to the bike, opened the card and saw the words written by Santa himself  “Barrett, thank you for your letter , sorry I had to put your shiny Blue Bike in the garage but there was no more room under the tree, be careful, love Santa

 

Barrett took the card and ran back in the house, swooshing past his mom and dad! Mom asked “Barrett where are you going? Don't you want to ride your new bike? Barrett said “YES but I have to do something first"

 

In his room Barrett opened the letter he had just written to Santa

 

Barrett took his pencil and added 1 more line to the letter “I knew I was big enough, Love Barrett”

 

Barrett  put on his helmet, smiled and he rode all day with his brothers. On his shiny blue bike

 

The end

Never Grow Up

Today marks the 30 day countdown

As it stands while I write it’s now 30 days left until Christmas 2014! I as many of you are getting excited and amped up for the holiday season.

I have been so impressed with the love and support that you all have shown both on twitter and on my new Facebook page. 24,000 followers on twitter and almost 1500 likes on Facebook so far, WOW that is way beyond my expectations. Fundraiser sales have not materialized as I had hoped but at least we can say we tried our best.

With a growing number of people learning about Fraser Valley Secret Santa I have been exposed to those who display hate towards the holidays as well, I will say that I respect the fact that people have their own opinion but the question that I have is if you detest Christmas so much how come you are visiting my page on a regular basis and commenting so often? let’s be clear there have not been a ton of negative Christmas feedback I don’t want you to think that I am inundated but there has been a few. The most common snipe that you hear is “Grow Up” and my answer to that is why? The world that we live in is so diluted with death, abuse, war, terror and negativity why not take a season that brings happiness and joy to most around the world and celebrate it! Embrace it and carry it as far as it will go to give that temporary reprieve from the negative. Having the look of excitement on children’s faces not only Christmas morning but for months before and months after just by simply saying the word Santa is enough for me to continue. It’s the negative in this world that breeds more negativity and the same would happen if people became more positive.

The reasons for me doing what I do not only at Christmas but all year round is simply for the fact that if people continually see positive things happen and are exposed to Random acts of kindness they just may in turn commit a random act of kindness towards others. Prime example was the other day I was at Tim Horton’s getting my coffee and I decided to purchase coffee for the 3 people in line behind me, each person was pleased and thanked me but it’s what they did that made the difference, 2 of the people put the coffee money they were to use in the donation jar to send Children to camp and the 3^rd person took the opportunity to pay it forward and bought the person behind them their coffee. So with one simple act of kindness we were able to create 4 smiles, help raise money for Children’s Charity and have people we don’t even know to start their day on a positive note. The best gift that I got from the whole experience is that my son was with me and he saw firsthand that being kind to others makes you feel good and can truly make a difference. I am quite sure that solving the world’s problems is not going to happen just from purchasing someone’s morning coffee but I think it’s a great place to start.

So the next time some tells you to “grow up” or hears Christmas is too commercialized and so on and so on, I would say to them “ Christmas is what you make of it , it doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate it just has to be celebrated with the ones you love, that’s why celebrating with family, friends and the ones you care about are a gift , they are present” as for growing up , I don’t think that will ever happen for me anyways I love the way the season makes me feel and the joy that surrounds it. Never let the kid in you be taken away by anyone, believe in Magic   

Keep visiting fvsecretsanta.com and countdown with me   

Media Power

In this week’s post I wanted to share a very special story of the power of social media and the kindness of others. Sometimes all anyone has to do is ask for help and those who are able to will and those who cannot will put you in touch with someone who can. I know that I always say “SHARE on Facebook” or “Retweet on Twitter” but it’s for a reason (most of the time) it’s to find help for those who need it. It takes nothing for us to RT and to share, a click of a button but you never know who may see and read it and be able to help when you yourself cannot.

Maybe I am different, I am not one of these people who use social media to become a Twitter Star or a Facebook celebrity, I SIMPLY WISH TO TRY AND HELP WHERE I CAN, that doesn’t just mean here in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver area but all around the world.  Here is a story that was sent to me and it shows the power and kindness of people. If you have a story that you would like to share or just feel that someone you may know in your community that deserves to be recognized for their kindness and passion for giving back just let me know, that’s what fvsecretsanta.com is all about  

“Hi, just wanted to share something so you understand! I have no money, I have a home and a family. I wrote a letter on Facebook to a local page telling them that I wanted some help, nothing free just help. I explained that my lovely dad has dementia and is losing his memory quickly, my mom is struggling though she is usually very strong she feels like she is losing him I remembered a long time ago she mentioned how she would like to renew her vows with my dad and it was their 50th Anniversary this year, so I asked for help, where do I start, how do I do it? On Dec 20th my mom and dad will be renewing their vows, I had three people give me enough money for the register office, I have a two tier heart cake coming made by a lady who doesn't know me, I have a room and DJ for two hours he will play quietly just enough time so we don't wear my dad out from a man I have never met, a lady handmade me some invitations I don't know her, someone is making mom a bouquet free! My parents are invited to see my husband and I renew our vows.....so they think! There is the spirit of Christmas....what could I possibly need? X” DM

Don’t forget all local food drives have started for the holiday season , if you are in the Fraser valley stop in and see Mark and the staff at “SUNRISE TOYOTA” and lets help fill as many trucks as possible for the Abby food bank. They do an amazing job each year to try and donate as much as they can to make the holidays a little more special for those who are less fortunate.

Loves and hugs from the Santa Family

R-A-T-B-D

Major donation from Abbotsford VW

I wanted to let you all know that we had our first major donation of the holiday season today!! I am so excited. A very special thank you goes out to the staff at Abbotsford Volkswagen for their generous donation of an IPad. After learning about Fraser Valley Secret Santa and about some of the Charity projects that Mrs. Santa is working on (making burial hats and outfits for the NICU babies that unfortunately pass away) they have generously donated a very special gift to her to give away to a deserving family who would not be able to afford such an item. The  family in Aldergrove will be receiving a new iPad. For months now Mrs. Santa has been on the lookout for a laptop for the  family with no avail. These people spend most of their available free time in the community helping someone. For the last couple years I have gotten to know the  family well and have seen their generosity towards others and their commitment to helping all who need it. FOR EXAMPLE: when in passing one day through casual conversation they informed me that a friend of his mothers had passed away and they were going to help clean out the home and take the items to the thrift store for donation, the family did not have the means or the vehicle to get the job done, after several trips back and forth they discovered a woman who was digging in items that the thrift store did not want. After striking a conversation they had come to find out that this woman was previously homeless and had just been able to get her own place after years of transition but did not have anything or any more money to furnish the place. The family promptly stopped making  trips to the thrift store and made the trips to this woman’s home with all the items. after hours of moving and setting up items for someone that they did not even know,  even using some items from their own house! they were able to leave knowing that this woman could now have a place to call her own and fully furnished for the first time in a years. This is the type of people they are. In a world that seems to struggle with finding ways of showcasing the positives and will focus on the negatives (just turn on the evening news or open a newspaper ) we are glad that FVsecretsanta.com can be a forum for anyone who wants to tell the world just how spectacular another person is can do so.

The  family in Aldergrove we hope that you enjoy your IPad and thank you for being the spectacular and amazing people that you are and we know that you will continue to try and help others any chance that you get. It’s great to know wonderful people like you .

Contemplating

As the days draw closer to Christmas, (51 days to go as I write) I find myself contemplating whether or not to go on with @fvsecretsanta after the holidays. It's been an amazing run of 8 years now . I know that we have helped so many , spread a positive message and hopefully inspired some to be the change they want to see in this world. More and more I have seen a decline in the amount of donations from individuals and companies that have helped me in the past, sales of Charity items have not transpired as I would have hoped, the website is not bringing the traffic  I visioned , we could not even secure a Turkey for a needy family to enjoy a Christmas dinner yet. In all honesty it has been financially stressing trying to keep it all up. As with everything in life there is a shelf life, has FVSECRETSANTA reached its expiration date? I don't know . I used to believe that if TeamSanta had more followers it would be easier to draw attention to the causes that we're trying to help, just the opposite has happened , no interaction, no corporate donations this year and little  interest in items that people have offered up as for sale items in hopes of donating the proceeds to charity. I get it times are tough for all of us , me included and maybe that's why I am torn to wether I stay or go. So many people need help but we can not continue to do it in our own. Will I ever save the world and cure all that ails it , 100% NO and I know that, I just hope that the people who have been a part of my little piece of the world for the past 8 years are better for knowing me because I know I am a better person for getting to know all of you. 

Must have #3

#3 on the santa must have list is something that every child should have . 

For years people have spend enormous amounts of energy and time on the same question " What should we do today?" #LEGO 

Now before you cock you head to the side and go "Huuh" here are some reasons why ! 

The art of building Lego is not only for children its for adults too , sitting on the floor and actually playing with your kids while allowing them to expand their imagination is something that can never get old. Lego may be expensive ( craigslist always has some for sale ) but when you factor in that it can be used over and over again , doesn't need batteries and the best part is it will never wear out. I know that I curse up and down when I seem to step on that one rouge piece that is hidden in the carpet or on the stairs when you are half asleep but I wouldn't change it for the world. Find some time to lay on the floor , help your children find that one special piece that will make their day and complete the master piece that they had envisioned , the smile that happens is priceless. Look them up on Twitter @LEGO_Group and find out all the newest and coolest kits they have available #3 on the santa must have list is something that every child should have . 

Christmas Must have #2

Christmas Must have #2

Plasma car Plasma bike

In the age of technology it's refreshing to see that there are still some toys for kids that actually allow them to use the pent up energy that comes from playing on iPads , iPods and computers. Sure it's great that kids learn how to use technology, let's face it it is how the world is headed and the earlier they learn the better off our children will be, but there is something to be said about fresh air and playing outside. The Plasma bike and plasma car are great for mobility and dexterity. Using the bodies motion to make the car go children learn balance and coordination and most of all how to have fun without being plugged in. http://plasmacar.com/mobile/?page_id=2 you can find them at toy stores for about $80.00 and Amazon ships for free FYI . 🌟🌟🌟🌟 find them on Twitter @plasmacar 

Elf On a Shelf

Remember the days of Furby ? Cabbage patch kids? Parents would line up for hours maybe even days before a MUST have toy was released. Those days are long gone with the age of internet shopping and social media, all the information and buying power you need is right at your fingertips. Santa is no different but I have an advantage , I know a little about toys and gifts. First up, 

"Elf on A Shelf"

I know that this is not a new item and if you have one you will be nodding your head when I say this toy is magic. Create wonder and stimulate young imaginations. Your elf comes packed in a nice holiday box complete with his own story book. The best part is you can name your elf anything you wish ( ours name is "Porch" ) before going to sleep each night Mrs Santa and I find new places to hide Porch , give him mischievous adventures and watch with joy as the boys discover him every morning. the great part is that the children know that their elf is watching and reporting all bad manners to Santa. You can find Elf on a Shelf for around $39.99 but be quick they tend to sell out fast each year. http://www.elfontheshelf.com

I love Vancouver

I love Vancouver 

In response to the Blogger who went and tried to trash a beautiful city while Claiming he is a vancouverite and a politician I ask one simple question "why hide who you are?" If it's true that you are indeed from Vancouver and in a position to be a difference maker , don't you think that you are also diminishing your ability as a leader ?YOU ARE A PART OF THE PROBLEM. If the worse thing that you have to complain about is the fact that people are choosing to get healthy then you have some serious issues. The fantastic people of vancouver are actually paying your wage is what I hate. You make me sick! As a person who is struggling with trying to pay my bills while I try and help the misfortunate in not only Vancouver but also the surrounding communities I am deeply concerned with your comments. For the people of Vancouver that love this city always be sure to never let anyone dull your sparkle , Vancouver and its people are known around the world as some of the most compassionate and kind people you will ever meet. Since I started my Secret Santa campaign almost 8 years ago I have seen 10's of thousands of people join with me to create smiles and fill food banks everywhere. Sure Vancouver may have its issues , but who doesn't? Find the positive, it helps eliminate the negativity. Show your love for this city with everyone you know and be proud of our home BEAUTIFUL VANCOUVER  

Fvsecretsanta.com 

Close to my heart

Let me start by saying , being A Secret Santa is an amazing pass time for me , at times I gain tremendous joy from interacting and helping others who honestly don't know help is coming. The down fall is that maybe I expect too much from others and hope for more participation when it comes to giving back in our communities and I take it to heart. Can't tell you How many times have I heard companies and individuals say to me " let us know how we can help, we will be there" that's all fine and wonderful but when you do happen to knock on the door , there is no answer. I have spent countless hours and money to try and organize fund raisers or events that will help charities not just here in Vancouver but around the globe , some have worked , many have not
I know that people have busy schedules and life is amazingly hectic for everyone , I get it . I just hope that we as a people don't become so obsessed with amassing all that we can and forget about those who struggle to even find enough money to put food on the table for their children each night, buy living aids for there disabled children or pay for medications that they so desperately need to maintain a functioning existence in general society without being vilified for being different. The reality of our life now is that at any point in time this could be any of us.So many of us live pay check to pay check , what happens when that pay check runs out ? Just food for thought !
I am trying hard to keep fvsecretsanta.com going and maintained because I believe that it can be a very powerful tool to spread awareness for charities around the world , a platform that can raise money for special needs children , a place that the disabled can be proud to showcase and sell their hand made items without fear of being taken advantage of and without taking away from their $95.00  living allowance that they receive per month they attempt to live off of.
That all being said , I will jump from one soap box to another ! I am trying to plan a FOOD DRIVE  event for November in the Langley, Aldergrove, Abbotsford area, so far I have a moving company that is willing to donate a truck and personnel for the event , a local Vancouver music artist has agreed to play at the event  , now we just need to find a venue , date and a few sponsors that may be willing to make this dream of filling a truck for the food bank a reality. Fvsecretsanta.com will also be taking monetary donations with 100% of the donations going back into buying food items that are needed.If any of you know a company or would like to donate I encourage you to do so through the donation button on fvsecretsanta.com
I hope everyone will buy a wristband for charity , still available and easy to do through paypal , I pay to ship the wristbands
Don't forget Grammy's stockings , each one is original and personalized to your liking only $40 + shipping
Maybe I do hold charity causes too close to heart , but that's where my heart is "People Helping People"

112 days to go Christmas fundraising starts today

As the seasons change, summer turns to fall and the kids are back in school most parents and grandparents will now be finding more time for themselves and time to decompress. Great example of this is Grammy Santa; she is kindly offering her time and energy to fvsecretsanta.com and charities to create fantastic personalized stockings. Grammy does all the cross stitch by hand while poppa sleeps in his chair or watches his DIY shows.  

Grammy has 100 designs that she does and will personalize each and every one of them with your name, your child’s name or any name you would like. Each stocking takes approximately 15-20 hours of needle point work, it’s not easy. The stockings will be going up for sale as of today! Each stocking is $40.00 + $8 shipping. These stockings will last for years and will look amazing hung throughout your home  

I am including the website address for you to look at all the designs that Grammy has http://grammyschristmasstockings.myalbum.com . Grammy says she is working on a special stocking for a “Babies First Christmas".  Right now there are 77 stockings that are ready to go and more on the way all they need is a new name. I will have a list of the 77 designs that are completed to make it easier for you to decide.  {As fast as Grammy’s hands will let her needle point}.Grammy prides herself on making each and every stocking unique. If you are interested in one of these just see the ad on Fvsecretsanta.com email me @ santa@fvsecretsanta.com or on Twitter: @FVsecretSanta. I will also include a “People Helping People bracelet with every stocking sold. If you wish to contribute and buy a stocking please use PayPal fvsecretsanta@hotmail.com this will ensure that you have a receipt and don't forget to include  the Name you wish to have put on the stocking . Lets help Grammy and fvsecretsanta.com raise even more money for a local food bank this holiday season. I have a Zip file of the stockings that are ready to go NOW , just ask for the file and have a look - first come first serve 

Internal Struggles

Life Changes

Over the past few weeks I have found myself being human, YES its true Santa has to face the same situations and curve balls that life throws at us all.

For some time there have been many issues weighing on my mind that I have been able to keep at bay and carry on with daily life like we all do. unfortunately While away on vacation for a few days with my children in Penticton I found myself unexpectedly thinking about all of the things that have happened in my life so far after hearing some bad news about a family member , I  even reached back to when I was a teenager and dealing with weight issues and my neck injury. For so long I just played everything off like it never happened, typical guy thing to do I guess. It has caught up with me. I found myself reflecting back on a previous incident that took place when I lived up north and I was asked to compromise my morals and future, I did not. Because I would not pander to the powers that be I was then put in a position of owning a new home and car, having a one year old son with issues and no money or job prospects to pay for any of it. I picked myself up went back to school and started all over again. Don’t get me wrong things are going well for me I love my job but I have found myself in a bit of a funk emotionally and not thinking clearly. Stemming back to up north and the financial bind it had put me in that I still am trying to climb out from is emotionally draining enough but with a year in my professional life that I wish I could forget, and family sickness, I just broke down. Over the past year I have had my job changed on 4 occasions and having to train the people to replace me , I had been placed in a position that I had to defend my work due to blatant disregard for someone’s safety ,plus there was an attempt to throw me under the proverbial bus  . Good thing I kept accurate notes which helped clear my name of wrong doing. Being in interview after interview while feeling guilty for what had happened (even when it wasn't my fault) with not one person from my organization come to my defense was VERY stressful,  situations that required me to use my first aid to help people from further harming themselves. More added stress. On a personal level I have been put under a lot of physical and mental pressure worrying about my son and his at times, erratic behaviors due to his issues, I worry every day, he has no friends to play with and how that will affect him socially and mentally in the future, where will he be? What will he do? All things a father wonders. Over the past few months we have been at an even greater struggle with his behaviors with absolutely no fault of his own. On 2 occasions the pharmacy that we deal with has given the wrong prescription, once he was given the pure dosage of fluoxetine that landed my son in the hospital with overdose issues. As if once was not bad enough the same pharmacy filled the wrong amount RX then gave it to someone else with a similar name. My son was given another boys medications that did not comply with his system. Unfortunately my son had a bit of a break down and had to be restrained by a neighbor until he could calm down ,not before harming his brother and mom in the process.(More Stress) then the final piece of the pie. I have been battling health issues , being told I was diabetic and have high blood pressure has been difficult after learning that it was a pre-disposition in my family ( I never knew)   once again I worry about my boys and their future should they be affected. The straw that broke the camel’s back was the news I heard regarding my mother in laws health , here is a strong woman who used to run marathons just last year , she has been diagnosed with MS with a not very favorable prognosis for the near future.  Along with my wife’s recent health issues that parallel her moms , I cracked , it got me. So as it stands I am currently off work as per doctor’s orders due to stress and burnout for the next 6-12 weeks. The moral of this story is to not to make anyone feel bad for Santa it’s to let you know no matter how tough the exterior,  inside we are all fighting a battle that most people can’t see, a battle with how to cope with life’s adventures.  I have had a rough go of things and I am making sure now that I take some time and regroup. We have to take care of ourselves. I feel bad that I am not at work, that’s just my nature but I can't help others until I help myself. My doctor has advised me to do things that will relax my mind, make me smile and that's what I intend to do! It's too bad I couldn't make a living off being Santa because at a distant second to my wife and kids it's just a part of my life that brings me joy, it makes not only me smile but so many others too. We all need to smile more.
Take care of you.