Food Bank Chairman nominated to marshall Santa Claus parade in Downtown Timmins
Rick Young is the chairman of the Timmins Food Bank and the people organizing this year's Santa Claus Parade in the Downtown have nominated him to be the parade marshall.
While he said it's an honour, he also feels guilty for the attention because it's the volunteers who are making him look good.
"These people are doing the work and I enjoy what I’m doing and I really do it not for recognition. It’s because people are in need in Timmins and the need is there and as long as I can keep doing it I’ll do it.”
Parade-goers will see Young standing in the back of his pick up truck waving and saying thank you to those watching the parade while volunteers collect food and cash donations.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the Food Bank's supplies and anything people in attendance at the parade can donate will be a big help.
“The sad part I don’t like is there’s a lot of elderly people and to me that’s just not right. They’re proud. They don’t like to come and use the food bank but they’re forced to and it’s sad to see that," said Young.
The theme of this year's Santa Claus parade is North Pole Fantasy and despite the harsh reality that there are many people in need in Timmins, organizers say people area excited to take in the parade after not having one last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"One of our largest parades ever, said Cindy Campbell, executive director of Downtown Timmins BIA "Fifty-five entries: service clubs, private industry, not-for-profits--we couldn’t have asked for a better mix. Lots of music, lots of dancing and of course the jolly old man himself at the very end wishing everybody the best.”
A local radio station will also be collecting socks; and Canada Nickel is collecting unwrapped new toys--all to be given to people in need.
Judges will award a two-hundred and fifty dollar cash prize to the best float.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.