“Every person should be able to visit with Santa.”
That has been Dennis Hetman’s philosophy during the holidays for over ten years.
He started out as Santa when Sonya Wilson from Imagine That in the Totem Mall needed someone to be Santa. He went back the following year and started My Special Time with Santa.
Now, every December, Hetman finds a quiet location amid the hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping season to create a place, in a handicapped accessible location where local autistic children, adults and their families can visit with Santa.
“It’s not unusual for some kids to be overwhelmed having their photo taken with Santa at the shopping mall, but for kids with autism, it can truly be too much,” Hetman told the broken typewriter.
Inspired by similar events across Canada, Hetman’s Santa visits give families time to warm up to Santa, and take their time, rather than rushing through as many children as possible. Having a chance to meet Santa, away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is not something normally available for children on the spectrum, but it is in Fort St. John.
“No day is easy for children and families affected by autistic spectrum disorder, but during the holiday season, some of the difficulties are even more prominent.”
Along with his wife Michelle, and photographer Joelene Mackay, Hetman does his best to make visits with Santa available for all, free of charge.
His generosity as Santa doesn’t stop there – Hetman also dons his Santa suit to raise money for the North Peace SPCA and On Our Way Home Animal Rescue, with the help of local businessman and city councillor, Trevor Bolin.
For the past three years, Bolin and Hetman have hosted the Pet Pics with Santa fundraiser at Bone & Biscuit. The by-donation event took place on December 13 and 14 and raised $1585.
Bolin called the event a “massive success, now in its third year.”
“Thanks to everyone who came out, braved the weather and brought their pets down,” Bolin said. “Also, big thanks to Santa Claus!”
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