‘Appreciate the generosity’: Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade collects much needed goods for local food bank

Generosity was on full display at this year's Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade. CTV London's Brent Lale reports.

During the Hyde Park Santa Claus Parade, volunteers walked Gainsborough Road collecting much needed cash and food donations for the food bank at the Northwest London Resource Centre (NLRC).

“The numbers continue to grow and we’re seeing new individuals who have not accessed before accessing the food bank,” said Amani Radhaa, associate director of the NLRC.

The biggest needs are baby food, formula, and hygiene items.

“When you walk into any Shoppers Drug Mart or any stores, you see the baby formula is locked up because it’s so expensive and it’s really hard for families,” said Radhaa.

“You have little ones, and you have to make a choice between buying baby food or other items where it’s like the average price is between 60 to 80 bucks.”

That is why the annual parade is so crucial.

“The food bank plays such an important role in our community,” said Josh Morgan, London’s mayor. “It’s from the generosity of people who donate at events like this, which really helps them keep stocked and helps people through the holiday season.”

The annual parade saw thousands of people line Gainsborough Road, dancing, singing and enjoying perfect weather for the event.

“This parade is huge,” said Donna Szpakowski, CEO of the Hyde Park BIA.

“It started many years ago on a shoe-string budget, in fact, no budget. Over the years, it’s grown. We have some big sponsors, huge support and money that is raised through the parade that will go back to nonprofit to be charitable organizations to help people in need during the Christmas season,” she added.

There are many reasons people love this parade. It takes place at 10 a.m. and it has a real community focus.

“We love the Hyde Park Parade, and this is our second award we’ve won in the past four years,” said Gavin Cooper of Bluestone Properties, holding the ‘Most Entertaining Float’ award. “It’s just a fun thing that we all get to do with the landscape department and the whole company to just design and build a float and just work on it together.”

Meanwhile, the always popular Poplar Hill Lions Club (PHLC) had their ‘Hillbilly float.’

“We’re doing 10 Christmas parades this year and 15 in total,” said Rick Castle of the PHLC. “It’s a hillbilly thing and people relate to it. When we see the kids with the smiles and they start jumping up and down to the music, it warms us.”

As Santa wrapped up the parade, which included more than 50 entries, Morgan once again said ‘Thank you’ to those who helped those in need in the community.

“I appreciate the generosity Londoners, especially this time of year,” said Morgan.