Beloved Santa Ken is being mourned across the northern suburbs.
Camera IconBeloved Santa Ken is being mourned across the northern suburbs. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Lakeside Joondalup Santa Welcome Parade to raise funds for centre’s regular jolly man

Lucy JarvisJoondalup Times

THIS year’s Santa will have big boots to fill when he arrives at Lakeside Joondalup in early November, with a goal to raise money to support the regular man in red.

The shopping centre will hold its Santa Welcome Parade on November 4 without iconic and beloved Santa Clause, Santa Ken, who is taking the year off for rest and time with his family following treatment for metastasised melanoma.

Santa Ken has amassed a career that spans 29 years, with families from all over Perth embarking on annual trips to the centre to have their photo taken with him.

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Centre manager Gemma Hannigan said the countdown to Christmas always generated much excitement, however this year would be more meaningful with a fundraising drive to support melanomaWA.

“We’re excited to be able to bring the Lakeside Joondalup Christmas spirit and the joy of the festive season to the people of Perth with this year being more important than ever to give back to the community,” she said.

“Lakeside Joondalup and photography partners Scene to Believe, are honoured to be donating $2 from every photo package over $29.95 to melanomaWA.”

Ms Hannigan said she hoped people got behind the initiative that would support Santa Ken and his family and others affected by melanoma in WA.

Santa’s Welcome Parade starts 10am on November 4 with another man in red and white, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services marching band, West Coast Fury cheerleading squad and husky sleigh dogs making their way through the malls.

The parade will end at the throne in the Myer Centre Court where Santa will be available for photos for seven weeks until Christmas Eve.

Customers can pre-book Santa photo sessions online as well as the option for walk-ins every day in the lead up to Christmas.

For more, visit lakesidejoondalup.com.au.

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