The Lions Clubs International motto is “We Serve” — and on Nov. 24, the Bradford Lions Club served up scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, pancakes and syrup, coffee, tea or juice to the families who came out for its Breakfast with Santa event.
The annual event is a thank you to the community, a fundraiser for the Helping Hand Food Bank, and an opportunity to meet and take a photo with Santa, before he gets too busy at the North Pole.
Breakfast was $5, free for kids with a donation of non-perishable food — and decorated boxes upstairs at the old Bradford Community Centre were quickly filled with donations.
Lions Club member Jim Slykhuis was delighted with the turnout. “Why would you line up and pay more?” he said.
One of the co-ordinators of the Bradford Leo Club, the junior branch of the Lions for youth ages 12 to 18, Slykuis helped organize a small army of young volunteers. The Leos cleared tables, helped out at the craft table, and were Santa’s elves, handing out candy canes.
Kids lined up to meet Santa, several clutching their Christmas lists. Some were too shy to sit on Santa’s lap. Others, like 18-month-old Mia, were thrilled — and went up more than once.
“She was only six months old last year, so it’s a completely different thing!” said her mom.
