Delivering gifts, spreading festive cheer and creating magical memories are all part of Santa Claus’ day job. So, when he signed up to volunteer at Canine Partners’ Santa Claus and Santa Paws event last Christmas, it’s fair to say he was right at home among children, dogs and festive fun.
Despite the North Pole’s patchy signal, we were lucky enough to squeeze in a quick call with the big man himself ahead of his return this December. Santa was able to tell us why volunteering with Canine Partners has become such an important part of his Christmas calendar.
- Canine Correspondent: Thank you for speaking to us today. Are we ok to call you Santa, or do you prefer Mr Claus?
Santa: I have so many names across the world – Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Pere Noel, Palznickel – I’m happy to go with Santa.
- Canine Correspondent: Thanks Santa, you’re incredibly busy at this time of year. Why do you choose to support Canine Partners?
Santa: Ho ho ho! That’s true, it’s busy in my workshop all year round but as December gets closer the hard work really begins. But I’ve always believed Christmas is about helping others and spreading joy.
When I heard about the life-changing partnerships Canine Partners creates, I knew I wanted to get involved. Across the UK, your expertly trained assistance dogs help disabled people navigate everyday life, while also providing companionship, reassurance and an unwavering bond. That’s the kind of magic I can get behind, and it lasts far beyond Christmas Day.
- Canine Correspondent: You’ve travelled all over the world and seen so much. What makes our Santa Claus and Santa Paws events so special for you?
Santa: Oh, that’s an easy one!
There’s such a warm and welcoming atmosphere at Canine Partners. Everyone is there to have fun, make memories and support a fantastic charity. I love seeing families and friends come together, sharing stories, taking photos and getting into the Christmas spirit.
And of course, spending time with so many wonderful children and four-legged friends is always a highlight. They seem to know exactly how to win me over. Between you and me, they’re often a lot less demanding than the elves! It’s become one of my favourite days of the festive season.
- Canine Correspondent: Speaking of dogs… do our assistance dogs automatically make the nice list?
Santa: Ho ho! It’s not really a secret that I’ve always admired a good helper. And your dogs spend every day helping their partners overcome barriers and live life their own way.
They’re opening doors, picking up dropped items, helping around the home and so much more. Alongside practical support, they provide loyal companionship.
That kind of dedication certainly doesn’t go unnoticed at the North Pole.
- Canine Correspondent: We’ve heard some dogs can be a little distracted when they meet Santa Paws…
Santa: Ho ho! That’s certainly true. Not everyone who visited me last year was a trained assistance dog! A couple of pet dogs headed straight for the treats, while others are far more interested in making new friends. Either way, everyone is welcome.
- Canine Correspondent: For anyone thinking about visiting Santa Claus and Santa Paws this year, what can they expect?
Santa: A wonderful festive day out.
I’ll be looking forward to meeting children and families in the morning, before spending the afternoon with our four-legged visitors. You’ll be able to have your photo taken with me, and if you’ve made it onto the nice list, I might just have a little gift waiting for you too.
The North Pole takes its preparations very seriously, so my elves always send me a few helpful details beforehand. That means I can have a proper chat with each child about the things they enjoy, what they’ve been up to, and of course gather some important evidence for my naughty and nice lists. Ho ho ho!
I’m also delighted to communicate using Makaton, so as many children as possible can share their Christmas wishes with me.
- Canine Correspondent: Finally, Santa, what’s on your Christmas wish list this year?
Santa: I’d love to see lots of families and waggy tails at the National Training Centre this December, helping raise money for Canine Partners.
And perhaps a few carrots for the reindeer and candy canes for the elves.
The gift of volunteering
While Santa may be one of our most recognisable volunteers, he’s just one member of a much bigger team. Across the UK, around 1,000 people give their time, skills and expertise to help Canine Partners transform the lives of disabled people.
Volunteers make our work possible. Whether they’re raising puppies, supporting events, sharing professional skills or helping behind the scenes, every volunteer plays a part in changing lives. We are one team.
At this time of year, Santa brings a little extra festive magic to Canine Partners. While his red suit may make him easy to spot, underneath he’s purple through and through, and the generosity behind his volunteering is the same as every member of our volunteer community: giving their time to make a difference for others.
Plan your visit
Santa will be making a special visit to Canine Partners’ National Training Centre in Osgathorpe this December.
- Saturday 12 December, 10am to 4pm
- Tickets: £10 per person (including a gift)
- Printed photos: £5
From 10am until 12 noon, Santa Claus will be welcoming children and families. Then, after a well-earned hot chocolate and mince pie, he’ll return as Santa Paws from 12.30pm until 4pm, ready to welcome our canine visitors. Don’t miss out on the festive fun!
Want to follow in Santa's footsteps?
Santa isn’t the only one making a difference this Christmas.
From festive bake sales and Christmas jumper days to community events and personal challenges, there are plenty of ways to support Canine Partners and help create life-changing partnerships between disabled people and assistance dogs.
Whatever your idea, every pound you raise will help more people experience the independence, confidence and companionship an assistance dog can bring.