Covid causes chronic Santa shortage across NSW
The magic of Christmas looks set to be absent from NSW shopping centres this year as Covid has caused a chronic shortage of Santas across the state.
NSW
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Covid looks set to kill the magic of Christmas this year with a chronic shortage of Santas being reported across NSW.
Those who will don the red suit this year will also be required to wear a mask over their flowing white beards.
Agencies are now scrambling to find Santas in time for the Christmas run with dozens of vacancies at shopping centres across NSW.
Jessica Vatoff, from leading agency Scene to Believe, said there was hesitancy from many of their usual Santas given a number of them are in what is considered a vulnerable age group for Covid.
“Covid has definitely impacted our usual returnee Santas,” Ms Vatoff said. “Many of them are considered among a vulnerable age group.
“Some of the difficulty also comes from a misconception around who can be Santa, we have Santas in all ages and sizes, from mid 20-year-olds to 80-year-olds.
“We can add the magic, they just need to be jolly, have a great HOHOHO and enjoy working with children.”
She added the agency is currently looking for fill more than 60 Santa vacancies across NSW.
The Book a Santa agency is also reporting a desperate shortage.
Michelle Drinnan said the agency has provided Santas to hundreds of shopping centres across Australia for over 15 years.
She said the shortage was largely down to the extra regulations as a result of Covid.
“Generally shortages are from older men retiring their red suits, or perhaps becoming unwell,” she said. “This year the shortages are not from Covid itself, but from the issues Covid causes in terms of regulations, restrictions and access to vaccines.
“Santas are often in a vulnerable health age, and a lot prefer not to work this year to protect themselves.
“Some Santas might be working in venues that require vaccinations and they can’t access their double shots yet.
“Others are simply not comfortable working around children when they are not protected. Its quite tough this year because there is the emotional side as well.”
She added: “Beyond everything, we need Santa Claus this year. He is a symbol of generosity and goodness, and that’s something everyone needs a reminder of.”
Castle Towers Santa Trevor Hallett said he has never seen a shortage like it before.
“A lot of Santas dropped out last Christmas mainly due to the uncertainty around the Covid risks and they haven’t returned this year,” he said.
“I have not seen such a large Santa shortage before.
“The children are more aware this year of the seriousness of Covid. Although it’s a little sad that the children can’t give Santa a hug again this year, some of the children are more comfortable sitting a little bit away from Santa.”
Scene to Believe is currently looking for Santas for the following locations: Castle Towers, Castle Hill (1 Santa), Westfield Eastgardens (1), Westfield Hornsby (1), Westfield Hurstville (3), Westfield Kotara (2), Westfield Liverpool (3), Westfield Miranda (2), Westfield Tuggerah (3), Bankstown Central (2), Roselands (2), Macquarie Centre (1), Macarthur Square (2), Westfield Penrith (1), David Jones Elizabeth Street (2), Lake Haven Centre (3), Plumpton Marketplace (1), Charlestown Square (2), Rouse Hill Town Centre (2), Jesmond Central (1), Menai Marketplace (1), Erina Fair (1), Stockland Glendale (1), Stockland Merrylands (1), Stockland Nowra (1), Stockland Shellharbour (1), Cronulla Plaza (1), Dapto Mall (1), Warriewood Square (3), MarketPlace Raymond Terrace (1), Settlement City, Port Macquarie (1), Stanhope Village (2), Deepwater Plaza, Woy Woy (1), Westpoint, Blacktown (1), St Marys Village (2), Pittwater Place, Mona Vale (2) and Stockland Forster (1).
For more details and to sign up to be a Santa visit scenetobelieve.com.au or bookasanta.com.au
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