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Santa’s
Village in Bracebridge prides itself on having a diverse
group of people dedicated to customer service.
The semi-retired members at Santa’s Village are a
great compliment to the team. Their love of Children, their need to stay busy and the years
of experience and knowledge they bring with them, make them
a valuable part of the team.
Muriel
Paterson, who has worked in retail at Santa’s Village for
ten years, couldn’t imagine not being able to ask the
visitors about their visit with Santa.
“I just love to see the smile appear on their
faces, and know that they had a memorable experience at
Santa’s Village.” She
says, “I just can’t stay idle.
I couldn’t imagine myself not being here.”
A former employee at Loblaws for forty years, Muriel
now spends her winters as a volunteer driver for the Red
Cross.
This
summer marks Bill Oliver’s second season at Santa’s
Village, and he keeps himself busy in the off-season driving
a school bus for Laidlaw. Bill came to Santa’s Village as a transition to get back
into the working world after having surgery.
He has taken fondly to the adjustment and at the end
of the day he feels he has accomplished something.
“I give it everything I have,” Bill says, “You
have to like kids in this business, and I love their energy.
This is and excellent place to work during
retirement. It
molds character and builds confidence.”
After
retiring from the OPP Tom Penrice took Santa’s advice and
joined the Santa’s Village team where he has conducted the
train for the past three years.
His favourite aspect of the job is meeting all kinds
of people, young and old.
“Just the other day, I was unloading the passengers
when a little boy, no taller than my knee, gave me a great
big hug and whispered thank you in my ear.” Tom explained.
“Those kinds of things are very rewarding.”
Jan
is responsible for beautifying the grounds of the park with
stunning gardens for the past seven years.
Not only does the staff wish she could be their
personal gardener, but the visitors to Santa’s Village
also frequently comment about her work. Although she has never taken a course or a lesson on
gardening, she is honoured with many awards and ribbons.
“Trial and error, and my best friend Doreen and a
good friend Mrs. Reid were all great teachers.”
Jan says. “I
do it for others to enjoy.”
After
Orval Barker retired, he answered an ad in a local newspaper
for Santa’s Village.
Since, he has been a part of the Village team for ten
years and enjoys talking with the children and seeing their
communication skills develop.
“When a child says ‘thank you’, I always
remember to say ‘you’re welcome’,” Orval says.
“At the end of the day, it’s better to feel
useful, and that’s why I’m here.
I don’t know how to do nothing, it’s too hard.”
The
limited staff has kept Pat Newsome at the park for longer
than she initially thought.
She started working in the office doing a little bit
of everything along the way.
“It’s never dull, everyday is different.” She
says, “I keep pushing for seniors to work here because
they need us to create an equal balance and the students
love to work with us.”
On
a regular day you can find Art Loverock directing traffic in
the parking lot, and horsing around with the guests.
Previous to Santa’s Village he was a sales
representative, and thoroughly enjoys working with people.
“I’m the first person guests see…I don’t know
if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
Although
they should be enjoying the retired life these special
people are dedicated to helping others not only at Santa’s
Village, but the community as well.
If they sound like you, consider Santa’s Village
next summer and experience where the fun begins.
For
more information contact: Jamie
Hopkins, General Manager at 645-2512 Ext. 222
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