A Halifax-area community is pleased after raising about $14,000 for Feed Nova Scotia over the holiday season.

Colby “North” in Cole Harbour, for the second year in a row, had 12-foot, inflatable, light up Santas line it’s streets bringing festive cheer to those who either walked or drove by on a clear night.

Organizer Meaghan Boudreau tells us although they raised quite a bit less than the $43,000 from 2023, between the two years it amounts to more than $55,000 – and any dollar raised she says, is a success.

“It was a little disappointing because the weather didn’t help us out very well. The Santa’s…they are very susceptible to wind and for whatever reason, our neighborhood is very windy. There were multiple days [in December] where we couldn’t have the Santa’s up.”

“I think we are all still really happy with how it went, and people seemed to have enjoyed it. At the end of the day, I think that’s what’s important.”

Ten carts full of food

In addition to monetary donations, Colby “North” was also accepting food donations.

They managed to fill ten carts full.

Everything collected went to local food banks and cupboards within the local community.

All in it together

There are roughly 200 homes in Colby “North” and about 145 homes participated.

Photo: Caitlin Snow/Acadia Broadcasting

Maintaining the Santas, Boudreau says, is like a part-time job.

“It’s a lot of upkeep from us as the homeowners, to go outside every 20 minutes to shake it off when it’s snowing, to keep them standing.”

It really took a village to keep the display every night, but it was made easier by a shared Facebook group.

“People will say, ‘Heads up, the wind is supposed to be high tonight, make sure you unplug your Santa.’ Or people will say, ‘Whoever’s Santa is down at the end of Astral, one of your things has come loose.’”

The whole thing, she says, created a sense of community that was rather unexpected with everyone looking out for one another.

Will continue on

If you missed the display this year, the Santas will be back again in 2025, no matter how much money they raise.

Boudreau says it’s really great for kids to learn about giving back and although this neighborhood can put food on their tables, not everyone can.

“Not everybody is as lucky as that and so having them [the kids] be a part of collecting the food and collecting the money up front and knowing that we’re doing it to bring a little bit of cheer to people but also raise money to help those who are struggling at Christmas time.”

Next year, she says, they may try to promote a little better, including where you can park if you want to walk the neighborhood.

“Coming and driving through is fantastic, but if you come with your family and go for a walk, it just makes it that much more magical.”