Getting to know Bruce Templeton
Bruce Templeton is an inductee into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and that province’s Volunteer Hall of Fame. For more than 40 years, he’s played Santa in seniors’ homes and children’s hospitals. He and his wife Paula added a food bank drive to the annual St. John’s Christmas parade that generated 20 tons of food in the first year. Saltscapes spoke with Templeton about eradicating polio, Zooming from the North Pole, and bringing hope.
What was your day job?
I was on a team that opened 96 retail stores for the Newfoundland-based company Bowring. My wife Paula’s maiden name is Bowring. They would say, “We want you to move to Vancouver to open 24 stores in 24 months. Phone us if you have trouble.”
That must have been difficult for your family.
We have three successful kids, thanks to my wife. I was almost an absentee daddy. I picked up my daughter once and she started to cry. My wife said, “She doesn’t know who you are.”
I went to my father-in-law and said, “I love my family more than my work. We’re going back to Newfoundland.” That was 1977.
How did you get started as
a volunteer?
When I got back to Newfoundland, I got involved as a scout leader. I was provincial president, and my wife was provincial commissioner of the Girl Guides at the same time. If there’s a common thread, it’s making memories for children. When I had a Boy Scout jamboree in Gros Morne in the 80s, I had 2,500 kids in camp and woke them up with two CF-18 jets. When all the kids came out of their tents, I got a water bomber to wash them all at once.
How did you get startedplaying Santa?
Santa started in 1978. I have an aunt, Miss Anna Templeton, a determined lady. She asked if I would play Santa at St. Andrew’s Church. I said no. She said, “If I make the suit, will you do it?” She happened to be the Director of Craft for Newfoundland. What showed up was lamb’s wool, prescription glasses, bells, and black leather belts with brass. Santa was absolutely magnificent.
Which part of your role means the most to you?
Santa’s job is to bring hope. You’re asked questions like, “My mommy died in a car accident. Will her spirit be with you in the sleigh on Christmas Eve?” If you’re going to be asked some really interesting questions, you need to be ready. Hearing the bells on Christmas Eve makes the abnormal seem normal again. You take the family into a different place when it’s going through enormous challenges.
Why do you donate proceeds from the sale of your four books to the polio vaccine?
When I got back to Newfoundland, I became a Rotarian and learned it was trying to eradicate polio. Of 143 countries where you could contract polio, we’ve only got Pakistan and Nigeria left. Proceeds have bought vaccines for 350,000 children so far.
Which of your many awards means the most to you?
The least important part of what I do is measured by pieces of plastic on a shelf. The real gratification comes in the eyes and arms of the children.
How are you going to do Santa’s work this year?
My mission is to make memories for families. This year it’s going to be especially important. I’m going to do Zoom calls. They’ll see the North Pole, the toy shop, and Mrs. Claus opening all the letters. All of Santa’s teddies I give away this year have little red COVID masks over their noses.