Old St. Nick's visit to downtown Summerside looked a little different this year.
The reverse Santa Claus Parade came with static festive floats and more than 4,000 vehicles counted by organizers that crawled along a designated section of Rufus and Water streets to see them on Friday, Nov. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Summerside fire chief Ron Enman, whose department organized the event, said the parade was not only a way to bring cheer to a "devastating year" but an opportunity to make a difference in the community.
"This year has been tough on local businesses and families, financially and emotionally. Last year we donated $1,000 each to the Salvation Army, the Kinsmen Club, and the St. Eleanor's Lions Club food banks," said Enman. "This year, through sponsorship, we donated $3,350 to each organization to help so many families make their Christmas affordable."
The event included a Toonie Drive at the Credit Union Place, where the parade kicked off, with donations going to Lennon House and the Island Pregnancy Centre Summerside. And float entries could donate to the families of Camden Kingyens and Georgia Arsenault – both dealing with childhood cancer.