By Ron Haines
For just over 30 years now one of the most esteemed firefighters at the Lilydale CFA Roger Haley has been playing Santa for people in and around Lilydale.
The current captain of the brigade Warren Davis has nothing but admiration for the role Roger has played without fail for decades now.
“For the eleven other months of the year, Santa disguises himself as Roger Haley. In the weeks leading up to the 1 December his undercover life and entire fashion demeanour begins to transform towards the famous red baggy pants with bright white fur cuffs, a red double-breasted suit and a large black belt the same size as a horse girth all accompanied by a matching fluffy red and white hat,” he said.
“Santa has checked and then rechecked his schedule of appearances and rehearsed his catchy ‘head, shoulders knees and toes rhyme’ before he performs this for the children and presents them with gifts.
“Everybody who knows Roger knows December is his favourite time of the year. He has taken on the role as the big man in red for some thirty years and has brought joy and excitement to many children and parents in and around Lilydale when he attends any Christmas events. Roger truly is the real Santa on the inside (as well as out).”
Past brigade captain Frank Whelan OAM has also watched as Roger prepares himself each year to take on one of the biggest jobs in December, making every effort to meet and greet children across numerous events.
“Roger has brought joy and excitement to countless children and adults over his reign as Santa Claus. His boundless energy and empathy with the kids is quite magical,” he said.
“As far as we are concerned Roger is Santa Claus, in the 30 years as Santa he has organised the brigade’s Santa runs, attended schools, fetes, kinders and Christmas street parties and as well he has the ability to involve everyone in the fun and joy of Christmas – we all love him.”
As well as playing Santa for the brigade Roger has attended a number of street Christmas parties in and around Lilydale.
In fact, for year after year Roger has attended the same streets during his time as Santa. He has seen small children grow up and for them now to have children of their own – a remarkable accomplishment that shows his absolute dedication to the role as Santa.
Roger has been a member of the Lilydale CFA brigade for many years. He is a Life Member and as well as being a firefighter Roger served as Lieutenant with the brigade.
Over the years Roger has been a mentor to many of the brigade firefighters and still today Roger mentors new Santas’ as an experienced and trusted adviser.
Roger’s moto is ‘I love putting a smile on the dial of children – that’s what Christmas is all about’
The Lilydale CFA Brigade is very proud to have Roger as a member – his achievements as a firefighter and of course Santa are second to none.
Congratulations Roger – I mean Santa.
