Fort Erie Surfing Santa returns in support of homeless population

Christmas has come and gone but if you were walking along the shore in Fort Erie on Saturday you may have seen a surfing Santa. Bad weather on Christmas Eve forced him to postpone a yearly tradition that’s all for a good cause.

READ MORE: Fort Erie officials ask tourists to stay away during storm cleanup

62-year-old John Fulton aka Surfing Santa donned his red-and-white outfit and big bushy beard to brave the cold and surf the Niagara river on Saturday. Every year since the 80s Fulton has been hitting the water and asking people to donate clothing and monetary donations to charities that support those experiencing homelessness.

Fulton surfed roughly three kilometres for his cause and there to see him off on his journey was Fort Erie mayor Wayne Redekop.

READ MORE: Surfing Santa is back to help raise awareness for the homeless in Niagara

This year Fulton is asking people to donate to the Coldest Night of the Year event that happened in downtown St. Catharines on Saturday night. The event is held by Start Me Up Niagara and they supply services, meals, and shelter to the Niagara homeless population.

According to the Coldest Night of the Year website, it has raised over $150,000 for those who are experiencing homelessness. Starting Monday, Feb. 27, until the end of March, Fulton is accepting clothing donations at Fort Erie town hall. Fulton says the item highest on the wishlist in underwear.

People can also drop off clothing donations at Fulton Fitness in St. Catharines.