Page 5 - Gears and Ears December 2013

Special Profile

Santa Claus

Joined Rotary: I have been a part of Rotary for ages because it embodies the
giving spirit and dedication to good works that I so deeply believe in.

Education: Years of experience spreading joy and goodwill throughout the
world. I am a student of history much of which I have witnessed in my lifetime.

Marital status: Married to Mrs. Claus

First job: An apprentice elf in a factory making wooden toys.

Most fun job: The one I have right now — especially at this time of year. I
wouldn’t trade it for all the tea in China, and having flown over it, I know there is
quite a lot.
Career background: Wood carver, mechanical clockwork maker, paint and finish elf, reindeer wrangler, and
master of a large facility located at the North Pole.

Why did you join Rotary? I never officially joined Rotary, but I have worked with and through Rotarians to spread
good deeds and fellowship across the entire globe.

Are you a Paul Harris Fellow? No, but I knew Paul Harris and he was a very fine fellow.

What other Rotary honors have you been awarded? I usually am recognized at least once a year with the
sincerest form of flattery when Rotary members assume my identity — wearing my suit and beard.

What club positions have you held in Rotary: Since I am not technically a member, I have not held any official
positions; however, I believe I have become a symbol of the kind of giving and sharing that are at the foundation
of Rotary.

Which committee (avenue of service) interests you? Giving of myself and the presents of the Christmas
season.

Current employer/ position: Chief jolly old elf and master of the finest toy shop in the world.

Travel interests: Oh, my, that’s an interesting question. You see, I have been blessed with the ability to visit
every country, city, town, and village on earth every year — sadly, I must do it very quickly.

Something we don’t know about you: It bothers me when people say they don’t believe in me. I remember
once back in 1897, a little girl wrote to a newspaper asking if I really exist. Here is part of the editor’s reply:

“Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion
exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How
dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no
VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this
existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which
childhood fills the world would be extinguished.”