KAWARTHA LAKES – This year, Santa and his favorite elf are making their way through town in hopes of making many Christmases a little bit brighter this year.
For Sonya and James Von Zuben of Bowmanville, giving back has been a part of their lives for many years. So naturally, after the pandemic touched down, the Von Zuben’s wanted to ensure that everyone would get an opportunity to have a visit with Santa.
“We don’t think of it as a big thing for us, it’s rewarding for us, to see the smile on the kids faces,” said James. “ It’s kind of early on a Sunday morning but by the time we get to that first house, we remember why we are doing this, they act like popcorn, jumping up and down, it’s so awesome.”
Before Christmas, the couple will have visited over 80 houses. And in return, the Von Zuben’s have asked for a toy or food donation to give to families in need.
According to Sonya, various people have come forward, requesting help for various families that are in need. Currently, approximately six families will be receiving donated gifts and food from James and Sonya.
“People wanted to pay but we don’t want to charge,” they said. “Santa should be free.”
The duo noted that their eight-foot dining table is currently completely covered with canned goods, stacked four cans high while their large couches are buried with toys and other gifts.
The couple is willing to travel near and far, bringing joy to families from Bowmanville all the way to Trenton.
And while James takes on the role as the main attraction, the entire effort is a family affair. James and Sonya also have two older daughters that also contribute to the operation behind the scenes and often give their mom a break and take on the roll as the elf, going door to door with their dad.
“I was so excited to see piles that I have gathered for the families, it’ll almost fill under their tree, we will hopefully make Christmas for them,” said Sonya. “We aren’t the ones donating we are just the middle men, its people that reach out, the community, it has just shocked me how giving people are, we go to houses and they hand us like three bags of groceries, I expected a can of soup. Its just a good feeling knowing that the community cares about each other.”
And while the Von Zuben’s have spent much of their December weekends going door to door, hoping to impact the lives of others, this is not their first rodeo. James spent many years as a child and a young adult, with his father and three brothers donating stockings to hospitals with the Rovers, an organization that was always part of his family’s life.
“My husband grew up with very special parents, they had very big hearts and would give anything to anyone,” said Sonya.
With a musical background, James and his daughters have also been known for performing Christmas concerts at old age homes and hosting fundraising concerts for families in need. And while giving comes so natural to the Von Zubens, life hasn’t always dealt them a good hand of cards.
Three years ago James was rear ended in a motorcycle accident that ended up costing them almost everything. James was off of work for three years and so was his wife as she tended to his needs and the needs of their family.
“We pretty much lost everything, things are starting to turn around, it hasn’t been good but we are a very close family and we have a lot of support,” he said. “It’s just what we do, its what everyone should do. It is helping us too, it’s so rewarding. Its really puts a smile and Christmas spirit into our hearts too.”
