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Santa Larry toy drive returns to New West

Santa Larry’s memory lives on at Royal City Centre. The mall is once again holding a toy drive in memory of Larry Tamkin (Santa Larry), who was Santa at Royal City Centre and Woodward’s department store for 45 years prior to his death in March 2018.
Santa Larry Tamkin
A toy drive is once again being held in memory of Larry Tamkin, known to many as Santa Larry, who passed away in March 2018. Along with wife Susan (aka Mrs. Claus), he brought joy and happiness to children during the holiday season as Santa.

Santa Larry’s memory lives on at Royal City Centre.

The mall is once again holding a toy drive in memory of Larry Tamkin (Santa Larry), who was Santa at Royal City Centre and Woodward’s department store for 45 years prior to his death in March 2018. Last year’s toy drive resulted in an “amazing” response from community members and was a moving experience for Tamkin’s wife Susan (a.k.a. Mrs. Claus).

Royal City Centre is holding a toy drive from the time Santa arrives on Saturday, Nov. 30 until Dec. 22. Like last year, the toys will be dispersed to the pediatric ward at Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster Family Place, the Lower Mainland Purpose Society and St. Barnabas Church.

Until Dec. 22, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the mall on Fridays from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.