Santa Claus may not be riding the rails in Prince Rupert this year, but a partnership between three organizations will give North Coast youth the chance to spend some one-on-one time with him on the high seas.
Northern Savings Credit Union, Success by Six and the Prince Rupert Port Authority are teaming up for the first-ever Jingle Boat Express, a one hour harbour tour with Santa Claus aboard the Inside Passage.
"In the three organizations taking over the event, we wanted to see if we could re-brand it and do something that would allow more children to have more access. We wanted to do the same type of event, but put a bit of a different spin on it," said Northern Savings Credit Union branch manager Stefan Delloch, noting the increase in rail traffic created too much uncertainty about running the Jingle Bell Express again after it was cancelled last year.
"People can expect to have a fun, festive event for children and families. They'll get to experience the wonder and beauty of the Prince Rupert harbour, which is not something everyone is able to do. We are really excited we are able to put this type of event out to the benefit of the community at such a low cost so the most number of people can participate."
One hundred tickets for each of the two scheduled trips will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Nov. 15 at Northern Savings Credit Union. The boat ride itself will depart at 10 a.m. and at noon on Dec. 11.
The other partners said bringing something back to Prince Rupert for children at Christmas time was an important undertaking, one they are glad to be involved in.
"We are just thrilled to see this wonderful event return to Prince Rupert. I know how excited my kids were for the Jingle Bell Express each year so it is such an honour to be able to work in partnership to carry on greatly anticipated and much loved tradition," said Success by Six coordinator Kate Toye.
"The Prince Rupert Port Authority is pleased to partner with local businesses and organizations to bring this popular seasonal family event back to Prince Rupert. Celebrating more than 15 years of putting smiles on kids' faces in our community, we are happy to be a part of the Jingle Boat Express this year," added Prince Rupert Port Authority community relations manager Maynard Angus.