2020 would have been Phil Harris’ 32nd year dressing up as one of Santa’s helpers in Powell River. COVID-19 has put a damper on that.
Harris has been playing the role so long he has actually worn out two suits and is working on the third. He was custom fitted 12 years ago at a costume shop in Vancouver for his current attire, which includes everything from the boots to the signature white curls on the top of his head.
“This all started as a little bit of a bet amongst a bunch of fellas who were sitting around; we needed a Santa Claus for the organization I belonged to, for the kids,” said Harris. “We decided to pull straws out of the broom and I lost, but in actuality I won because once I started doing it I was having so much fun and I have so many favourites.”
Some of his favourites include Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association, Busy Bee Daycare and the seniors at Willingdon Creek Village and extended care. Harris has attended 40 Christmas parties in one year and 12 events on Christmas Eve, including house deliveries.
Anyone who has been to a Christmas party in Powell River over the years has probably seen Harris make an appearance. He has been a part of the festivities for the RCMP, the Italian Hall, the mill and every grocery store in town.
“A lot of the organizations have their Christmas parties on the ice at the recreation complex; I go right out on the ice with the kids handing out candy bags and all kinds of different things,” said Harris.
“My motto is: I’ve delivered everything but a baby,” he added with a chuckle. “I’ve delivered engagement rings and bicycles, and the whole hoot.”
With all of the usual Christmas festivities being cancelled and lack of Christmas parties it will be a quiet season in 2020.
“This year with COVID has made such a dramatic change for me,” said Harris, who usually starts his season at the end of November at the Assumption Bazaar handing out candy canes to everyone in Dwight Hall, then shortly after is the annual Santa Claus parade.
Having sold his home six months ago, Harris will be making up about 30 goodie bags and going door-to-door at the complex he now lives in. He said he wants to remain positive and spread some cheer to whomever he can.
Harris has a scrapbook full of pictures from his long career and many fond memories of the children he has seen grow up over the years. While it might not be possible to connect with Santa in person this year, as one of Santa’s helpers, Harris has a message for all the children wondering about this Christmas: “Be good, do good in school, listen to mommy and daddy, wash your hands and practice social distancing, and everything will be just fine,” he said. “Santa is still going to come.”
