Holidays are still comin' - Santa visits Sunderland children on 'Local-Cola' Christmas truck

In a nod to the Coca-Cola truck, which had its tour cancelled due to the pandemic, Darren Timby organised the city’s own festive vehicle to bring some Christmas cheer to the community, travelling around with Santa.

Money raised from the festive event is going to three charities – Grace house, Debra and I’m in for Will.

Darren said: “Me and my partner Sarah thought of the idea last year when I came across a high back chair that would be perfect for Santa to sit on in our American 5-litre V8 truck.

"We didn’t follow it up until this year when I posted the idea on Facebook and it went nuts – so many people wanted to be involved.”

Santa was played by David Potter, who gave out more than 420 selection boxes to children across Sunderland.

Darren said: “We wanted to make sure the event was done as safely as possible, with covid restrictions like social distancing in place.

"I can't express how much of a buzz it was to see the kids reactions to Santa and receiving a pre-sanitised selection box!”

All stop-off points were asked to observe social-distancing and discourage crowds so Santa could follow a planned route delivering gifts to pre-booked pit stops.

Darren added: “It was a lot bigger than I anticipated so there were some disappointed people who we just could not have got to with my limited time and resources.

"My timings were way out, but it was a fantastic evening and it was amazing to see the kids reaction – me and Santa even got a bit choked up when we read one little boy’s Christmas present wishlist.”

Poundland and Tesco in Roker also got involved with the ‘Santa run’ by donating selection boxes and toys.

“I was a nervous wreck but we did it and I can’t thank everyone involved enough, we have raised so much money for three fantastic charities and it’s all thanks to everyone who donated money, chocolates and gifts,” said Darren.

"I don’t know what I’d have done without my son, he sorted the music, sound effects and navigation – he was amazing.”

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