After 109 years Santa may not be riding down the streets of Winnipeg this year says the board of the Santa Claus Parade.
On Monday a plea for funding was made because organizers are $68,000 short for the construction of a new float and operating expenses.
In 2017 plans were made to replace the 65-year-old float that carried the man in the red suit and a sponsor was secured. Construction began but in April of 2018, the sponsor pulled their offer.
“The current float is more than 60 years old. With extreme winter temperatures and wear and tear for decades, the old Eaton’s billboards, key to the structural integrity, are damaged beyond repair. The decor is crumbling and the snowmen disintegrating,” said Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade Director, Monica Derksen.
The board has not identified the sponsor but say that the shortfall in funding left them with a large gap in their fundraising campaign.
If the parade committee cannot secure funding by October 5, 2018, the parade will be cancelled
A go-fund-me page has been set up in hopes of resolving the issue.
LINK | Santa Claus Parade go-fund-me page
© 2018 News 4
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