As we approach the holiday season, many of our community organizations and service clubs gear up to offer programs, services and events that provide countless opportunities for our residents to enjoy this special season.

Every December, the Bolton Kinsmen Club stages its very popular Santa Claus Parade. This fantastic event begins at 11 a.m. at Queensgate Boulevard and travels north along Highway 50 to the Cenotaph. First established in 1975, it has become a Caledon family favourite and this year’s parade will be held Dec. 3, so be sure to bring the family out to welcome Santa Claus to our community. I look forward to seeing you there.

Operation Red Nose volunteers will be making sure partygoers and their cars get home safely. During the holidays, we encourage you to celebrate responsibly by designating a sober driver, staying overnight or calling a relative, a cab or Operation Red Nose for a ride. This terrific service will be offered Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31. A call to the program’s control centre will dispatch a team of volunteers to your pick up location. You and your guests will be driven to your destination in your own vehicle. The phone number for the control centre is (905) 857-1439.

Caledon Community Services (CCS) is seeking donations for its annual Santa Fund. This dedicated organization provides donations of food, new toys and emergency financial assistance to Caledon families in need and their Santa Fund sustains hundreds of our neighbors over the holidays and throughout the entire year ahead. A new toy keeps the spirit of the season alive in the heart of a child and cash donations help ensure that all gathered around the family table are well nourished, clothed and have opportunities throughout the year. Donations to CCS’s Santa Fund provides assistance with food vouchers, prescriptions, home heating, rent, emergency expenses, and crisis counseling. It is through the generous donations of our community that the Santa Fund is able to help families and kids in need have a joyful holiday. For further information, please contact Santa’s helpers at (905) 584-2300 or visit www.ccs4u.org

Caledon residents are fortunate to have the opportunity of attending one of two Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies; both scheduled for Dec. 3. The Caledon Village Association and the Caledon Optimist Club will be hosting their annual event at Knox United Church, starting with the Santa Parade at 5 p.m. The Palgrave Rotary Club will be holding their annual Christmas tree lighting at the Stationlands Trail Pavilion at 4:30 p.m. Both are fun-filled, colourful events and they are a joyous way for families to welcome in the holidays.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the countless volunteers who work so hard to bring these special events and services to the residents of our community. Their commitment and dedication to these events and services truly add so much to the wonderful quality of life we all enjoy in the Town of Caledon.