<!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group"> <!-- wp:image --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt="Santa Bus in Kelowna" class="image" src="https://www.bctransit.com/wp-content/uploads/731/333/20211207_073659.jpg"/><br/> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BC Transit, First Transit and the City of Kelowna are helping to make the season bright and merry for all as they welcome the 20<sup>th</sup> edition of Santa Bus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since 2002, the Santa Bus has helped collect over $600,000 in donations to help support those in need in our neighbourhoods.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From December 4 until December 10, the Santa Bus will be on the road collecting donations for the Salvation Army. You can help by donating non-perishable food items, toiletries, new toys or cash.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Santa Bus will visit local elementary schools, grocery stores, senior centres and daycares before the big wrap-up event at Stuart Park with Santa on December 10. For the full schedule of events, please click <a href="https://www.bctransit.com/wp-content/uploads/569/182/4195-1_KEL_SantaBus-poster-v6.pdf">here</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quotes: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chelsea Mossey, Senior Government Relations Manager, BC Transit</strong><br/> “BC Transit is grateful to all the volunteers at First Transit who have dedicated their time over the years to lifting holiday spirits with the Santa Bus. This initiative has had a significant impact on the communities they serve, and 20 years is a tremendous accomplishment worthy of celebration.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group"> </div> <!-- /wp:group --> <!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group"><strong>Frank Teichmann, Transit Operator at First Transit</strong></div> <!-- /wp:group --> <!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group">“The smiles, laughter and anticipation of kids and enjoyment for myself, the Santa team and the visitors is heartwarming and magical and feels great to be able to help out. Everyone wants to see Santa, and yes even adults love to see him and get a picture. It truly gets you in the Christmas spirit.”</div> <!-- /wp:group --> <!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group"> </div> <!-- /wp:group --> <!-- wp:image --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt="Frank Teichmann (elf) and Bob Sibson (Santa Clause) with Santa Bus " class="image" src="https://www.bctransit.com/wp-content/uploads/359/438/Frank and Santa edit.jpg"/></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group"><strong>Media contacts</strong></div> <!-- /wp:group --> <!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group">BC Transit communications</div> <!-- /wp:group --> <!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group">250-880-1303</div> <!-- /wp:group --> <!-- wp:group --><div class="wp-block-group"><a href="mailto:media@bctransit.com">media@bctransit.com</a></div> <!-- /wp:group --> </div> <!-- /wp:group -->