School children make radio contact with Santa Claus

Santa Claus is a busy man these days.

But he still found time on Thursday to speak with about 200 students at St. Bernard School, asking them what they’d like him to bring them for Christmas and reminding them to be good to their friends and family between now and the big day.

Operation Radio Santa has been taking place in Thunder Bay since 1982, with the assistance of soldiers from the 38th Signal Regiment.
Six-year-old Azia Fraser was jumping for joy after speaking with the jolliest man on the planet.

“It was really awesome,” she said, grinning.

“I like Christmas because you get presents.”

Classmate Gabby Nowack, also six, was impressed and excited to have a chance to speak with Santa, two weeks to the day before his great journey begins.

“It was cool to talk to Santa. I gave him my letter and I really like having my elf,” she said, referring to her Elf on the Shelf.

“I just love talking to Santa.”

Gabby said she didn’t really have to ask Santa for anything.

“He just told me what I like,” she said.

Master Cpl. Kevin Thomas joined Cpl. Syd McGinnis at St. Bernard School, one of several schools the military outfit will visit during the holiday season.

He said it’s a magical time of year and the regiment is just glad it can play a small role in bringing smiles to children’s faces.

“As soon as they hear Santa’s voice come over the radio, their eyes just light up and they know they’re talking to the real man.”

Thomas added they have a little help ensuring the two-way radio can reach the faraway North Pole, where Santa and his elves are putting the finishing touches on their Christmas Eve run.

“It’s quite a special, magical radio, actually. We sprinkle some magical dust to make sure it reaches all the way to the North Pole.”
Thomas said Barbies and puppies are among the more popular present requests this year, along with iPads and toy cars.