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Santa, citizen of year set to parade, eh BY SANDRA BOLAN sbolan@yrmg. com 'Santa, his elves, Rudolph, Comet and all of the other rein- deer will be in Stouflville on Dec. 5 to anchor the Kinsmen film Claus Parade. On average, the parade has about 30 floats and 10 bands. Organizations already confirm- ing their participation in this yeai’s parade include the First Stoufi'ville Scouts, Boston Pizza, Schell Lumber, the Terry Fox Run and Wtchurch-Stouflville Minor Hockey. This year's theme is a Cana- dian Christmas. “They can interpret it any way they want," said parade orga- nizer Sean Rice qf float entrants. “There's so many different cul- tures in Canada." The cost t6 enter a float is $35 for businesses. There is no charge for non-profit groups. The Sun-Tribune’s citizen of the year, Diane Ward, and sports person of the year, Mike Hum- phreys, vyill also be in the parade. This 'year marks a return to the original route, which starts at Tenth Line and Aintnee Drive. It will then travel south to Main Street and west to Mostar Stneet. “We would be glad to see as many people out as possible," Mr. Rice said. For more infbnnatim and to register a float, contact Sean Rice at seamioeflhotâ€" mail.com or 647404â€"8006. five deadline to get a float into the pamde is Nov. 23. 294-8030 Bombs 27 III“! M" The parade starts at 2 pm. (ifi'ib une .0! Its; INSIDE: MAIN ST. AND TENTH LINE GETTING MORE LIGHTS, PAGE4 HOME SALES UP 64%, PAGE 7 SATURDAY. MCI/31,2009 I SBWNGTHECOMMUNI'I'YOFWHITOIURGl-STOUFFVILE I 28PAGESI$1INCUJDINGGST Demand for social services is up and dona- tions are down, administrators of York Region charities say, citing a distressed economy and resultant unemployment. A Statistics Canada report released Monday found the value of donations to GTA charities in 2008 fell 12 per cent to $1.8 billion from $2.1 billion, based on income tax returns. A woman harvests vegetables in a farm field along Kennedy Road in northern Whitchurch-Stoufl’ville last week. The warm fall weather contin- ues, with no snow in the forecast for the coming week. Krasman Centre executive director Tanya BY CHRIS TRADER ctraber@yrm g. com Regional charities hurting DEMAND FDR SERVICES UP, DDNATIDNS DDWN THIS YEAR Shute confirmed philanthropic momentum has slipped. Now is usually the time holiday gifts and cheques are received by the Richmond Hill drop-in centre and support for the homeless, at risk and those with mental health challenges. It's just not happening as in years past, Ms Shute said. “We're seeing the delay," she said. “I don’t think it's indifference. It’s timing. I think people are waiting to see what's left over before they donate." Funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Trillium Foundation and York Region grants is augmented by public support Every Christmas Eve, the centre hosts a dinner for its clients and the community with the help of donations. “It's a dinner and meaningful gift for all," she said. “If people join us it usually means they don’t have anyone, they’ re alone." Travel guide r SEE PAGE 3 See WANG”, page 12 STAFF PHOTO/SJOERD WITTEVE EN