Toronto’s annual Santa Claus parade might be out of jeopardy after the city provided the beloved event, along with other festivals, funding to help keep them in business.
On Monday, the city announced more than $1.6 million in funding through the Special Events Stabilization Initiative (SESI) for 81 festivals, including the parade. The funding is also expected to help the Toronto Pride Festival, JerkFest, Beaches International Jazz Festival, Salsa on St. Clair and more.
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“Through SESI, we’re helping organizations thrive and continue their work in building and strengthening our communities. Many of these events are beloved Toronto traditions where people and families create memories and it’s wonderful to see so many local festivals supported in this first round,” Mayor Olivia Chow said in a press release.
Over the weekend, Trudeau took to X to share that the federal government would also be stepping in to help the parade.
“I heard that the #SantaClausParadeTO is having a few challenges. So, we’re going to help them out. It’s a great tradition, and we want to keep it going for years to come,” he wrote on X.
In response, Santa Claus Parade President and CEO Clay Charters says the organization is grateful for the funding.
“On behalf of our team, and parade-goers and fans who eagerly anticipate this event each year, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the City of Toronto for the SESI grant,” Charters said to Now Toronto on Monday.
“In these current economic times, with rising costs, this support will help us to keep a 120-year tradition alive, bringing together generations of people from all backgrounds and faiths, to celebrate hope, family and love,” he continued.
Earlier this month, parade organizers revealed the long-time tradition is struggling and it needs urgent funding in order for the parade to carry on in 2025 and so on.
“We are very excited for this year’s milestone anniversary – 120 years! However, with growing inflationary and operational costs, combined with recent widespread corporate budget constraints, the Parade is facing a deficit that is currently jeopardizing its future,” the GoFundMe campaign reads.
The parade hopes to raise $250K, and since the crowd fundraiser was made it has reached just over $72K.
The 120th Santa Claus Parade draws more than 750,000 guests of all ages, religions and cultural backgrounds. This year’s edition will include 26 hand-crafted floats paired with numerous spirited marchers, live bands, and celebrity clowns.
The parade will take place this Sunday, Nov. 24 at 12:30 p.m. at Christie Pits Park. This year’s route has been updated and will begin at the park and finish at the St. Lawrence Market at Jarvis Street.
