By Mikayla van Loon
Mooroolbark it’s time to pull out the cameras and bring your best smile because Santa Claus is ready for his close up.
Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group have partnered with local organisation Ripple Kindness to bring Santa to town on three different occasions for a Christmas photo.
Ashleigh Clingin has helped organise Santa’s arrival in Mooroolbark and said it is the perfect way to spread some happiness this festive season.
“I feel like everyone had a really rough two years and I guess we all feel like we’ve come to the end of it and we need some sort of sunshine and happiness at the end of it and I guess a bit of hope,” she said.
“So we just thought we need to give back to the people who’ve looked after us in Mooroolbark this year and last year, and the best way to do that is through kindness, random acts of kindness and so Ripple Kindness is perfect for that.”
Ripple Kindness founder Lisa Curry works with school groups and the community to share kindness and said it is something everyone needs right now.
“The people of Mooroolbark, like everywhere else in the world, need some hope at the moment, that comes in the form of kindness,” she said.
“More than anything, hope is about knowing that someone else cares and being able to share that kindness within your community.”
Normally the Mooroolbark Traders Group would hold a raffle for one person to win a hamper but this year Ms Clingin said they wanted to give back to lots of people.
Santa will be joining in at a takeaway picnic in the park on Thursday 9 December from 6pm to 7pm at Hookey Park, where locals are encouraged to buy food from a local trader and gather together to share some Christmas spirit.
The big guy in red will also be making his way down to Hookey Park, outside the library on Saturday 18 December from 11am to 12pm and on Wednesday 22 December from 11am to 12pm.
Everyone is welcome to join in for free, furry friends included but it is BYO camera.
While in Mooroolbark, Ms Clingin said people should stop by some of the shops because there is every chance they will get $20 off their purchase or a small gift.
It’s all part of sharing kindness, creating a ripple effect and sparking an interest in Mooroolbark with the hashtag #gomooroolbark.
