Newfoundland and Labrador’s North Pole ambassador announces news that Santa will be available to Zoom!

Families can book private Zoom call with Santa with proceeds going to local charity; each call results in keepsake video.

Today, the North Pole’s long time Newfoundland and Labrador ambassador, Bruce Templeton, shared the news with delight that Santa Claus has agreed to do special Zoom calls with families.

Santa called Bruce personally to ask him help spread the word to boys and girls that the Zoom call opportunity was possible.

With early indications that COVID-19 might start to affect Santa’s usual surprise visits, Mrs. Claus immediately called upon the elves at the North Pole to sweeten up their Wi-Fi capability.

“Santa told me that Mrs. Claus and the elves have been devoting every spare moment not spent on Christmas Eve preparations to this new initiative,” Bruce shared.

“The man in the red suit has gotten involved too,” Bruce added. “He’s been busy arranging toys and decorations to create the best Zoom tour possible for the families.”

Virtual guests will be greeted by Santa in the North Pole’s winter village before they’re magically transported to the workshop’s grounds. Then Santa will invite your family inside after hanging up his hat. Guests will see the workshop briefly before Santa moves into his office to check his list, twice (of course).

Limited appointment times are available, and parents can visit https://manintheredsuit.wordpress.com/zoom-with-santa to book their special date and time. Each Zoom call will last 20 minutes, and proceeds will go to charity.

In his conversation with Bruce, Santa of course wished that he could visit children’s gatherings and events as usual to read Ruduloph’s story, sing holiday carols, and create memories. 

But, despite COVID’s challenges, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves are determined to keep the dream alive for people young and old, everywhere.

Best-selling author and philanthropist Bruce Templeton invested in the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador

Recently, on January 29, 2020, nationally best-selling author and philanthropist, Bruce Templeton, was one of eight individuals invested to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Order is part of the Canadian honours system, and is the province’s highest honour.

At a ceremony which took place at Government House in St. John’s, Lieutenant Governor Judy M. Foote, P.C., O.N.L. – who is Chancellor of the Order – invested Templeton and the others.  Each received a medal bearing the shield of Newfoundland and Labrador surmounted by the Crown. The shield and crown are surrounded by a stylized pitcher plant – Newfoundland and Labrador’s floral emblem – with petals crafted with the provincial mineral Labradorite, making each medal unique. Members also receive a certificate signed by the Lieutenant Governor, as well as a miniature medal and a lapel pin. Members of the Order are entitled to employ O.N.L. as a post-nominal.

Templeton joins 117 other Newfoundland and Labradorians who have been inducted to the Order since its conception in 2004, following approval for the honour from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

The following citation was read as Templeton was inducted:

To receive the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador:
Bruce Templeton, Outer Cove (Volunteerism)

Bruce Templeton is the only living Canadian in the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. He is a nationally bestselling author of four books that chronicle his collected personal experiences from years spent assisting Santa. Since 1978, Bruce has made over 1,500 visits to children, community groups, organizations, hospitals, palliative care units, and retirement homes. He was also involved with the Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade for 40 years, where he was instrumental in establishing the parade’s food drive effort – the largest single gathering of food each year. Bruce makes the magical Flight to the North Pole a reality for 18 children, each Christmas. The flight, arranged by PAL Airlines and promoted by HitsFM, is made possible because of Bruce’s unwavering commitment to create memorable experiences for children. Santa boards the plane on arrival to the “North Pole”, covered in snow, ready to answer one question from each child before giving them a gift. But, Bruce spreads the message that it’s your presence that counts, not the presents. As an avid Rotarian, Bruce selflessly donates his proceeds from all his books to Rotary International’s End Polio Now initiative, but not before getting his funds matched by organizations like the Gates Foundation. As a result, Bruce has ensured more than 350,000 children throughout the world have received polio vaccinations and the initiative has, so far, managed to reduce the prevalence of polio to only two remaining countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan. Bruce also volunteers his time to numerous other organizations including Scouts Canada, the United Way, the John Howard Society, the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Bowring Park Foundation. Bruce Templeton’s contributions to society as a community leader and humanitarian spans his work as Santa’s assistant for over 40 years, making a difference locally and internationally.

To receive the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador:
Bruce Templeton, Outer Cove (Volunteerism)

Here are some photos from the special day:

Fourth book from bestselling author Bruce Templeton on the way via Flanker Press; available October 22, 2019!

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 22, 2019 and get ready to go on another exciting adventure as bestselling author Bruce Templeton launches his fourth book.

Bruce Templeton and Flanker Press are pleased to invite you to the official launch of In Search of St. Nicholas at Chapters (70 Kenmount Road) in St. John’s, from 7pm to 9pm.

Templeton’s brand new release, In Search of St. Nicholas, is a double dose of Christmas spirit. The first half of the book is based on a 2017 live performance that Bruce first delivered at the Johnson Geo Centre in November of that year. It follows a young lad named Nicholas as he goes in search for the perfect home for his very own teddy bear. Santa himself offers to accompany Nicholas on the journey that takes them back in time to learn all about the true meanings of many different aspects of the Christmas season.

The second portion of In Search of St. Nicholas offers up all new stories and experiences from Bruce’s past in his efforts to assist Santa.  You will read personal stories and learn about the people whose lives have been touched by Santa’s visits, like Nevaeh, Kaiden Little, baby Jade, Graysen, and more.

The book also includes a special foreword penned by Her Honour, the Honourable Judy May Foote, P.C., O.N.L., Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Santa stops in at Government House (NL) to surprise the Girl Guides of Canada (NL) as they spread Christmas cheer!

Excitement brimmed at Government House in St. John’s, NL this week as the Girl Guides of Canada’s local Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders, and Rangers all gathered for the annual tradition of decorating the Girl Guide Christmas Tree.

Fifty young women an their leaders sang carols, drank hot cocoa, enjoyed cookies and the company of Their Honours – with the evening topped off by a surprise visit from the Man in the Red Suit, himself!

The Jolly Ol’ Elf dropped in to join them in songs, helping the girls reach the top of the tree, read Christmas stories, and for some photos.  Here are just a few images from the evening, as shared by Her Honour, The Honourable Lieutenant Governor Judy M. Foote, P.C., O.N.L.

RELEASE: Bestselling author Bruce Templeton takes to the stage with new seasonal stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2017 (St. John’s) – This morning details were confirmed by the central office at the North Pole for an upcoming holiday performance from Santa’s assistant, Bruce Templeton. The Globe and Mail bestselling author, who has released three books to date, has a series of new stories that he will perform in St. John’s at the Johnson Geo Centre on Thursday, December 14, 2017.

The new show about a young boy, called A Journey Back in Time with Nicholas, will follow the titular character’s expedition to find the perfect home for his teddy bear.

Templeton will take the audience along with Nicholas, back to 1939 where they’ll meet Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer before travelling even further back to nine other stops. At every turn, Nicholas will land in a magical moment of time where he’ll be greeted by historical figures with ties to the season. He’ll learn about the origins of the very teddy bear he’s seeking a home for in 1902, and then encounter Virginia O’Hanlon in 1897. Later in the show, Nicholas will land in 1843 and run into Charles Dickens as he pens A Christmas Carol, all before returning to 280 A.D. where Nicholas will meet the saint that shares his name.

With each spellbinding stop, Templeton will lead the audience and Nicholas through fantastical folklore as they relive and discover the true history of Christmas.

Known for his ability to lure an audience’s undivided attention through his delivery and content, Templeton uses his own life experiences to highlight virtues of life, family, youth and children. He demonstrates community and business leadership through being an example, living by his motto that it is your presence, not presents, that count.

Templeton is accredited by the Canadian Association of Public Speakers and has participated in TEDx Talks. He has dutifully assisted Santa for almost 40 years, is the only living Canadian inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, and has been knighted as a Knight of St. Nicholas. The proceeds from all three of his books, including national and Globe and Mail bestseller The Man in the Red Suit (2012), The Man with the White Beard (2014) and Twenty-Four Teddy Bears (2016), have supported the Rotary International Polio Plus program.

Bar service will be available for those 19+ and the venue is fully accessible. The Newfoundland Chocolate Company is also supporting the production and will be on hand with a few treats and information on their confections at the event, at the perfect time of year!

Tickets are only $23 (plus applicable EventBrite service fees), and seating will be limited for this intimate evening. Tickets are available at https://manintheredsuit.wordpress.com/tickets or through the event’s Facebook listing at https://www.facebook.com/ManInTheRedSuit.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Bruce Templeton
brucetempleton@bellaliant.net

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Santa’s surprise for Neveah

Santa recently visited some special boys and girls spending time at the Janeway Hospital as the holidays approach. Here is a very special moment we’re happy and lucky to be able to share thanks to Stephanie O’Brien – OZFM.

After hearing that a young girl named Neveah liked the coat she wore in the Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade, Santa saw to it that she would become its owner. On his annual visit to the Janeway Children’s Hospital, he surprised her with the gift.

There is a video of the surprise here:
https://www.facebook.com/steffieob/posts/1788757307808071

Neveah and Santa share a special moment after the surprise gift was presented to her.

Neveah gives Santa a big hug in thanks for her new coat.

Santa and Neveah show off her new threads around the Janeway Hospital

Highlights from the Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade

Another year has come and the 2016 installment of the annual Downtown St. John’s Christmas Parade went off with a Ho! Ho! Ho!

Sunday, December 4 to the delight of children and their families, the parade marched through the streets of the Newfoundland and Labrador capital, with the big man himself marking the end.  Here are just a few highlight photos and clippings from the parade which saw Santa do the dabbin’ dance!

CBC VIDEO: Dabbin’ Santa! Kids at St. John’s Christmas Parade celebrate after Santa dabs for crowd

VOCM VIDEO/PICS/STORY: St. John’s Santa Claus Parade Collects over 15,500 Pounds of Food for Community Food Sharing Association

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VIDEO: Bruce Templeton launches Twenty Four Teddy Bears!

Last Thursday on September 29, 2016 Bruce Templeton launched his latest publication Twenty Four Teddy Bears: A Christmas Journey. This latest book, published by Creative Book Publishing, rounds out a trilogy for Templeton. His initial release, The Man in the Red Suit, garnered international attention and was a Globe and Mail best seller. The second book in the series equaled in its success, and was called The Man with the White Beard.

Like the initial two, this new book is meant to be read in the lead up to Christmas with each chapter corresponding with a date in the month. The stories profile the folks who were recipients of special teddy bears that Bruce, in his efforts as Santa’s assistant, helps get to people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you missed the launch, take a look at this video, then be sure to visit the signings and sightings section of the website for all of Bruce’s upcoming appearances.

Photos from Bruce Templeton’s launch of Twenty Four Teddy Bears

On Thursday, September 29, 2016 Bruce Templeton launched the third book in his Christmas series that shares his experiences assisting Santa! Published by Creative Book Publishing, the book was made available for the first time ever at the event held in the Knights of Columbus hall in St. John’s, NL.

As of today, you can find the book in many retailers, and online. Bruce will also be available at a number of signings and appearances, which you can find here.

Photo Credits: Joshua Jamieson and Bernadette Gentry

Bruce shows Olivia where her story is found in the book (on page 89)

The Telegram’s Keith Gosse taking photos for the paper!

Bruce speaking to guests at the launch.

 

Bruce Templeton to release third book – Twenty Four Teddy Bears – September 29!

Creative Book Publishing is excited to present Twenty-Four Teddy Bears: A Christmas Journey by bestselling author Bruce Templeton.

Join us on Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 6pm to 8pm at the Knight of Columbus located at 49 St. Clare Avenue in St. John’s, NL, to join in the celebration.

Twenty-Four Teddy Bears chronicles twenty-four of Santa’s most memorable visits over the past thirty-seven years. These have taken him from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Senior’s Homes, and Santa has left the bears with tiny newborns, people who’ve passed their 100th birthday, and all kinds of children, adults, Christmas doubters, and Christmas believers in-between.

Stories that will make you laugh and cry, but most importantly make you appreciate the true meaning of the holiday season.

All are welcome, admission is FREE, refreshments will be served and books will be available for purchase.

Visit the Facebook event page here, and feel free to invite/bring friends!