HUNDREDS of kids around Moree – and just as many big kids at heart – were greeted by the big man in red on Saturday afternoon when Moree Rural Fire Brigade toured town as part of the annual NSW Rural Fire Service Santa Run.

Volunteers and brigade members distributed lollies and treats as they visited parks, ovals and streets around Moree.

The crew, laden with lollies donated by local businesses and individuals, fired up the sleigh with a difference bang on 4pm and called into Gwydir Highway Park, Jacaranda Park, Moree PCYC, Webb Oval, Apex Park and Lions Park on Greenbah Roads, as well as a multitude of streets and avenues along the way.

Moree volunteer, Darryl Brady said the 2024 Santa Run was again a huge success, ahead of Santa Claus’s upcoming world tour, which commences tonight.

“On behalf of the RFS Moree brigade, I would like to thank all the business houses and the wider community for making our annual RFS Santa run the success that it was,” Mr Brady said.

“Without the overwhelming support we always receive from our very giving community, we could not achieve our goal of taking Santa around town to meet all the wonderful families.

“So many people take time out of their busy schedule to allow us to brighten up their day, even if it is brief.

“This year, thanks to Bamara, we even had the grinch make an unscheduled stop in Moree and Yarraman to help with the celebration, even though he doesn’t like Christmas,” Mr Brady smiled.

The Santa Run began as a unique initiative by NSW RFS to engage with communities on a more personal level during the holiday season. The event, held simultaneously at centres across New South Wales, not only bring smiles to children’s faces but also raise awareness about fire safety during the high-risk summer months.

“Once again, thank you Moree for such a huge contribution to a worthy cause,” Mr Brady said.

“Hopefully, we can repeat the exercise bigger and better next year. All Moree brigade members wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a safe, happy and prosperous new year,” he said.

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