Santa heading back to Manitoba’s northern, isolated communities
Santa Claus will be heading to two dozen of Manitoba’s remote communities to spread Christmas cheer and drop off some gifts.
On Wednesday, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak announced it will be bringing back the ‘Santa Express’ for another year. This year’s event will see Santa visit 24 First Nations over the span of five days, including Shamattawa, Tadoule Lake, and Lac Brochet.
“It’s very exciting for all of us because we’ve been doing this for the last 15 years,” said MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee.
Through the Santa Express, the MKO flies Santa and his helpers into these communities, where they provide gifts, toys and holiday joy.
Settee added that the Santa Express is a “massive undertaking,” but it’s something the MKO is passionate about.
“[Bringing] Santa into the First Nations is something that all the kids really, really get excited about,” he said.
“We continue to do this because it’s impacting the kids in our First Nations.”
Settee noted that the Santa Express is a collaboration with other organizations, including EIC Custom Helicopters, Perimeter Airlines, and the North West Company.
“We cannot do it without partnership; we cannot do it without volunteers,” he said.
“We cannot do it without volunteers willing to sacrifice their time.”
This year’s Santa Express is expected to bring gifts to about 12,000 Manitoba children and travel across three to four thousand kilometres.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
W5 Investigates Car security investigation: How W5 'stole' a car using a device we ordered online
In part two of a three-part series into how thieves are able to drive off with modern vehicles so easily, CTV W5 correspondent Jon Woodward uses a device flagged by police to easily clone a car key.
South African government says it won't help 4,000 illegal miners inside a closed mine
South Africa's government says it will not help an estimated 4,000 illegal miners inside a closed mine in the country's North West province who have been denied access to basic supplies as part of an official strategy against illegal mining.
'Only in Australia': Couple comes home to find koala in bed
Koalas are normally found in eucalyptus trees, but one couple came home in Australia on Wednesday and were shocked to find one in their bedroom.
Trump's defence secretary pick said women shouldn't be in combat roles. These female veterans fear what comes next
Female veterans fear the progress made for women in combat since then will be reversed after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump announced Pete Hegseth this week as his pick for secretary of defense – a Fox News host and Army veteran who has criticized efforts to allow women into combat roles.
opinion Why the new U.S. administration won't have much time for us
In a column for CTVNews.ca, former Conservative Party political advisor and strategist Rudy Husny says that when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau goes to the G-20 summit next week, it will look more like his goodbye tour.
'The Woodstock of our generation': Taylor Swift photographer credits email to her connection with the superstar
Taylor Swift has millions of fans worldwide, but Brampton, Ont.'s Jasmeet Sidhu has gotten closer to the musical icon than most.
A look at how much mail Canada Post delivers, amid a strike notice
Amid a potential postal worker strike, here’s a look at how many letters and parcels the corporation delivers and how those numbers have changed in the internet age.
India's 'most wanted terrorist' arrested in Canada
One of India's most wanted terrorists has been arrested and charged in connection with a recent alleged shooting in Ontario.
Hospitality workers to rally for higher wages as hotel costs soar during Swift tour
A group of hotel service workers in Toronto is set to hold a rally today outside the Fairmont Royal York to demand salary increases as hotel costs in the city skyrocket during Taylor Swift’s concerts.