Santa Claus is taking time out of his busy schedule to say Merry Christmas to kids across Geelong, with families able to take a free photo.
Creative Hearts Therapeutic Arts Practice will run the free Santa experience at the Geelong Waterfront from 8pm to 10pm on December 21, 22 and 24.
Therapist Andi Stevenson said she looked forward to spreading “the spirit of generosity” around the community alongside her husband Marty.
“We knew that everyone was having a tough time, and a lot of people couldn’t get Santa photos and anxiety was really high,” she said.
“Especially with the cost of living going up and things like that, some people can’t afford to go and have a Santa photo.
“We wanted to be able to give back to the community that we live in because we’re very grateful for the support that we have received from them.”
Ms Stevenson said the community service was an inclusive event open to everyone, especially people who may not normally be able to get a photo with Santa.
“It’s a really beautiful experience to watch people relax, and I’ve had families that have never had a photo with Santa before because of sensory, disability or accessibility issues,” she said.
“A lot of people struggle to leave the house without their therapy animal, and they love the fact that they can go have a Santa photo on the bench in the gardens with their therapy animal.
“It’s beautiful to watch how happy they are and how relieved they are, because it hasn’t been this really challenging thing for them and they feel part of the community.”
