SANTA has brought smiles to the faces of nearly 1000 special children during a visit to Wodonga.
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Saint Nick and Mrs Claus handed out three presents to each of the 900 young attendees at the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre on Saturday.
Event organiser Elle Bradley said the children came from a wide range of backgrounds.
“They may be ill, they could have lost a family member or they may have special needs,” she said.
“It’s just a magical day.
“All the worries and stresses of this busy time of year are taken away.
“It’s a day they won’t forget for a really long time and they talk about it long after it's finished.”
The event, which was hosted by Steve Bowen, takes a year to plan.
Ms Bradley said about 2500 people had attended, with buses coming from Benalla, Wangaratta and Wagga.
“It was our 19th year hosting the event on the Border,” she said.
“We had pony rides, the Hume Animal Hospital came down with puppies, kittens and rabbits, and there were jumping castles and face painting.
“There were heaps of activities on the day.”
Each child received three toys on the day which were suited to their age and gender.
It’s a day they won’t forget for a really long time and they talk about it long after it's finished
- Elle Bradley
“They all come with batteries and everything included, so the parents don't have to worry about anything,” Ms Bradley said.
"They're all set.
"The leftover toys were taken by Mrs Claus to the Albury Hospital.
"They were given to sick kids on Sunday morning.”
Ms Bradley said there was room to grow the event in coming years.
“We work on the Christmas party all year to get the community together and make sure it runs smoothly,” she said.
“We have the capacity to provide for a lot more children as the years go on.
“Sponsors take out packages that pay for everything.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their donations and for the work that the volunteers undertake.”
Each child also received a showbag with pencil cases and other items.
Ms Bradley said she was happy with the event.