‘Had such a kind heart:’ Year-round spirit of Santa stand-in inspires toy drive
WINNIPEG — Brian Sanderson’s white beard and jolly demeanor landed him in Santa’s bright-red suit in Winnipeg malls, seniors centres, toy catalogues and as the mythical Christmas figure in more than half a dozen movies.
So when Sanderson, Winnipeg’s most well-known Santa’s helper, died in October at the age of 77, a group of people — his own special elves — stepped up to make sure the Christmas magic he displayed all year would continue.
“He just had such a kind heart and literally a twinkle in his eye that is pushing us forward,” said Shelly Anthis.
Anthis, a casting director who met Sanderson through his movie roles, started a toy drive in memory of Santa Brian. Along with help from others and the support of Sanderson’s family, she has been collecting gifts to hand out to children and teenagers at shelters and family centres over the holiday season.