SportsPower Rochester welcomed Santa and his adversary to the store at the weekend.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Two special visitors from the North Pole stopped by SportsPower Rochester on Sunday morning to take Christmas photos with local families.
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Santa Claus and the Grinch were escorted to the store by the Rochester CFA and were warmly welcomed by excited children and their families.
The photo shoot was a busy affair for a charitable cause.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
Once Santa was settled inside, families took turns to have their photos taken by Ladybug Photography.
Families could choose to include the Grinch in their photos, though a few nervous children opted for Santa only.
Mr Claus said the initiative was a great way to give back to the community.
Mr Claus was carrying on a family tradition.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
“It's for the community, it's for the kids ... I just love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces,” he said.
“My grandfather did it for 60-odd years prior to me picking up the mantle and actually, this is the 30th year that I've put this suit on.”
The Grinch and Santa teamed up for the community.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
The free Christmas photoshoot has become increasingly popular in the three years it has been running, with this year's event sporting a new and improved set-up.
Participants were also able to receive digital copies of their photos instantly and had the option to order fridge magnets or prints of the photos, to be delivered at a later date.
Both Christmas figures were a hit with local kids.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
While no payments were required for the service, donations to the Rochester Fire Brigade were welcomed.
A Rochester CFA spokesperson said all the donations went back into supporting the community.
Families flocked to the store for the Christmas-themed photo opportunity.
Photo by
Lua Ikenasio
“For the Rochy CFA, we heavily rely on the donations that come through the local brigade,” he said.
“A few bucks get dropped into the tin out the front there, we're happy to take them on board and that'll go towards more equipment to support our community."
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