Santa Ron Adventure
Ron, known as Santa Ron Oxford, has been embodying the spirit of Santa Claus for nearly 10 years, starting with his involvement with the Children’s Aid Society. The local foster parent association approached him and his wife Linda, who had been foster parents for 15 years, to be Santa for a Christmas party dedicated to the foster kids. Initially hesitant, Ron eventually agreed and let his beard grow out to fit the role. Putting on the old suit provided by society, Ron experienced a magical transformation.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron worked as Santa’s helper and donated the earnings, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, back to the Children’s Aid Society. Even when the organization suspended its fundraising activities due to the pandemic, Ron continued his Santa duties, offering his services free of charge for charities such as Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Children’s Aid, and Power of Hope. Ron believes that the joy and wonder of Christmas transcend age, touching the hearts of everyone. From children to seniors with dementia, Ron witnesses the sheer delight on people’s faces when they see Santa. It moves him deeply to see the elderly become like children again, eager to sit on his knee and share a moment of joy.
Ron’s commitment to spreading holiday cheer doesn’t end when the warm weather arrives. Taking a break from his North Pole duties, he switches into his summer outfit, complete with red high-top running shoes, long red and white striped socks, bright red shorts, and Christmas-themed dress shirts adorned with candy cane buttons. Ron’s dedication to his Santa persona has become a part-time career that he wholeheartedly embraces, relishing every minute of it.
In addition to his appearance, Ron is known for his festive holiday van, which he occasionally substitutes for the traditional sleigh. He actively engages with the community of Oxford County throughout the year, participating in various events and initiatives. From breakfasts with children and reading sessions at libraries to swimming with children at recreation centers and assisting with toy drives, Ron is committed to making a positive impact. He also supports the Society’s Angel Tree program and attends numerous Christmas parties, community gatherings, and home visits. Families can even book Santa Ron for memorable family portraits.
Ron’s efforts have been recognized and celebrated by the community. In 2018, he was honoured with the 34th Annual Jack Ross Memorial Award by the Board of Directors of the Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County. In 2016, he received the Citizen of the Year award from the Ingersoll District of Commerce, and in 2014, he was the proud recipient of the Society’s Isabel Scott Memorial Volunteer Service Award.
Above all, Ron treasures the holiday season as a time to celebrate love, share hugs, exchange gifts, and enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with his loved ones. For him, Christmas is all about the connection to family and the joy of bringing people together. Ron plans to continue spreading holly and jolly cheer for as long as he possibly can.
“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”
W.T. Ellis
Testimonials
“Thank you again for hosting such wonderful storytimes at the Tillsonburg Branch yesterday! You make such a joyful impact on this community and it is always a pleasure to have you in the library to share some holiday and book magic!”
– Holly Brown
“Santa Ron is the most loving kindhearted person, the pure joy he brings to every kid is magical if you’re in the Oxford County area I highly suggest taking a look!”
– Destinee Smith
“Met Santa Ron at Tillsonburg Retirement Centre for a “Hawaiian Christmas in August” event yesterday and he certainly is the real deal. He even brought his own tropical backdrop for photos. My hula troupe performed for the residents and then he very patiently posed with all and sundry who wanted their photo with him. I hope I’m able to be his “Friend” and will be able to post some photos we took. Great job, Ron!”
– Linda Wright Hawken
“We have known Santa Ron for years. We have been fortunate to work with him on many different projects and events around Oxford County. He is always smiling and spreading holiday cheer and we can’t wait to work with him again soon.”
– Sarah Acchione
“Santa Ron brings Christmas wherever he goes. His love for the season and all that comes with it is evident in everything he does. He brings joy, he brings warmth, and he brings kindness to every event he attends. He can easily fit into any crowd from children up to seniors and he participates in a wide variety of events and celebrations. Ron regularly assists local charities and organizations, such as the Children’s Aid Society, to try and make the lives of those in need a little better. It’s almost like he really is the jolly old soul who makes Christmas and the holiday season the most special time of year.”
– Rob Tremblett
“We have had the pleasure of Santa Ron being apart of our fundraiser for Londons Children Hospital for 5 years. He has always been accommodating to our plans and has always been very supportive of our event. There is not a minute that he does not embody his version of Santa, a character he has crafted and perfected in every way. He has elevated our pictures with Santa on the farm, which has allowed us to market such a great product to the community. You don’t just get Santa when you book with Santa Ron, you truly get a Christmas experience.”
– Crystal van Roekel, Van Roekel Holsteins, Pictures with Santa on the Farm
“You will be amazed when you meet Santa Ron. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Santa Ron for over 10 years and you won’t ever find another Santa like him. Everyone loves him! He is the most caring individual, quiet, considerate, he’s a great listener; and he has the best Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa Ron is Santa year round, not just for a few weeks at Christmas. I know you believe! Share the magic of Christmas!”
– A dear friend of Santa Ron, Love, Denise Tew
