Photos with Santa reaches new milestone in Yorkton

Yorkton, Sask. -

Through a more “personalized” approach, kids in Yorkton are getting the chance to take their photo with one of Santa’s helpers while also supporting a good cause.

“When they come here, they’re going to be transported into a Winter Wonderland,” expressed Jackie Tokarchuk, owner of Simple Shots by Jackie.

For the fifth consecutive year, Boys and Girls Club (BGC) Yorkton has partnered with a local photographer to organize a week-long “Winter Wonderland: Photos with Santa” fundraiser.

"It's a more personalized experience. Santa knows who you are, what you want for Christmas, your pets name, your elves name. Santa knows everything,” Tokarchuk explained.

From hours to months of preparation, the city’s Ag Pavilion is transformed into a holiday walk-thru filled with snowflakes and photo displays for families to use. Although there is no entry fee, every donation provided goes to BGC Yorkton.

"Santa and Jackie volunteer their time all week to make it a wonderful fundraiser for us which definitely helps,” said Erin Roussin, director of operations of BGC Yorkton.

“It all goes towards our after school and evening programs, and our nutrition programs for children and youth."

To date, the non-profit organization has raised approximately $20,000 through the photo fundraiser.

“These kids are outstanding kids in the community and when we do little things like this for them, it just benefits us in the long run,” Tokarchuk said, referring to why she volunteers her time towards the initiative.

One volunteer said she has witnessed the event grow over the years, and is grateful to see the community’s support.

"We started out for one weekend five years ago and it's just grown ever since,” Jan Morrison expressed.

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“It's amazing to see the entire community come together with the donations we receive and the time we put into the set up. It’s incredible and I’m very blessed that I can continue being part of this amazing opportunity.”

Prior to kids visiting, Santa receives a wishlist of what each kid wants for the holidays so by the time they arrive, they are speechless.

"I love when the little ones come in and they scream, 'Santa,'” shared Tokarchuk. “I love when they're waving goodbye, I love when they cry, I love it all."

Although photos with Santa are scheduled ahead of time, Tokarchuk said people can use the holiday walk-thru up until Sunday Dec. 15.

“On Thursday, Saturday and Sunday there will be a walk-thru for families,” she explained.

“That way if you didn’t get a chance to come in, or if your children are a little afraid of Santa, you’re able to still come through and check out the hard work of all of our volunteers because it is truly spectacular.”

More details can be found on Simple Shots by Jackie page.