I was a member of Maffra Rotaract in the late 1980s and early 90s. One of our community service projects was “Dial a Santa”.

We took bookings for Santa to visit Christmas functions. These were normally family groups or corporate events.

The male members of the club dressed as Santa and the girls were Santa’s helper.

I’m pictured above with my attractive helper, whose name escapes me. She was a visiting Irish girl who somehow was roped into the job. We had a lot of fun.

Small family functions were the easiest. Bigger crowds were harder because there was always some bastard who wanted to pull your beard or argue that you weren’t the real Santa. I knew I was THE Santa, so I didn’t mind arguing.

After my helper and I finished our Saturday night rounds we adjourned to the Maffra Hotel in Santa gear for a refreshing ale.