Santa Claus came at the crack of dawn in Barrackpore to deliver toys to hundreds of children, but his sleigh broke down along the bumpy roads at Teelucksingh Trace. Members of the Number Five Ambassador Santaville Workshop Group, who organised Santa's visit had to hurriedly find another carriage to transport the toys. Eventually they borrowed a tractor and trailer from the business firm Sagan and Sons to complete the toy delivery. As early as 6 am, excited children were seen lining the Rochard Douglas Road as Santa came, followed by Batman, Superman, clowns, Road Runner and Hannah Montana.
For the first time, a new superhero, known as the Indian Punjabi King, was also on hand to surprise the children. Spokesman Amarnath Sobie said it was the first year that Santa Claus came riding a tractor trailer. He said usually a bison, disguised as a reindeer, was used to transport the toys. However, he said because of the bad condition of the roads, the sleigh which was decorated last weekend, fell apart as it was rolled along Teelucksingh Trace.
"We had to find another method of transporting the toys, so we had to borrow a trailer from a businessman," Sobie said. He also said that their journey took longer than usual because of the bad roads. "We expect to finish here about 3 o'clock this afternoon," Sobie said. He noted that the group has been facilitating Santa's visits for the past 18 years. More than 500 gifts were distributed at Cunjal North and South Trace, Teelucksingh Trace, Rochard Douglas Trace, Cumuto and Subratie Trace, Barrackpore.
Meanwhile, Friends of Barrackpore also held their own Christmas treat at Central Barrackpore. More than 200 toys were distributed. Spokesman Ashford Rampersad said despite financial constraints, they still managed to execute the annual gift-giving event. "Children look forward to this...It was hard to raise funds but we did with whatever little we had," Rampersad said. Also assisting the group were Tony Seeloch, Shah Ramkissoon and Robbie Chattoorie.
