Santa's stand-in spreading cheer to shoppers

Santa's stand-in Ray Hogan hands over the $531.90 he collected outside shops in Cherrywood Shopping Centre to the Tauranga Community Foodbank. He is pictured with Liam Angus, 4, Suzanne Edmonds, Caleb Angus, 72, and Nicki Goodwin from the foodbank. Photo/George Novak

Santa made a special visit to hear children's gift requests at Cherrywood shopping centre and while he was there he collected more than $500 for the Tauranga Community Foodbank.

Santa's stand-in, widower Ray Hogan, 80, spent four days last week sitting in an armchair on the sidewalk outside De Lux Beauty salon giving away lollies, and taking Christmas gift requests.

"I also put a box on the table with a sign asking for any donations for the foodbank, and in just four days collected $531.90, which was handed over yesterday."

Mr Hogan said the response from the Cherrywood community had been fantastic.

"I'm just Santa's stand-in, as he's too busy at the North Pole making toys for the kids," he said.

"He tells me he is always pleasantly surprised at the generosity of people who think of others in the festive season. Santa visits New Zealand first and he is always thrilled to call in to Tauranga and give to all the fantastic children and have a few treats under the Christmas trees."

Owner of De Lux Beauty of Cherrywood, Suzanne Edmonds, said: "We are always very happy to have Santa come and sit outside our salon, as he brings so much joy, not only to the children but to everyone shopping at Cherrywood during the lead up to Christmas."

Mr Hogan said it was Ms Edmonds who asked him to dress up as Santa, supplied him with the lollies and also suggested collecting donations for the foodbank at the same time.

"It's something I love doing in memory of my beloved wife Jeanette [Watson] who died last February. She would have turned 78 today. Christmas was a special time for both of us."

Mr Hogan said for several years they used to turn their garage into a fantasy Christmas grotto and his late wife dressed up as Mrs Claus - something the couple loved doing for their community.