What fun it is to ride in 190 horsepower pickup

A LOCAL car dealership is supporting Santa Claus to make some special deliveries this Christmas.

The team at Ballarat Mazda has provided a red BT-50 dual cab pickup truck for the next six weeks and has had it decorated with festive and snowy signage for use as Ballarat Base Hospital volunteer Dave Keene’s sleigh.

Santa Dave is now entering his 13th year of collecting up gifts donated by local businesses and handing them out to patients of all ages at Grampians Health.

“To have Mazda jump on board as a sponsor and do what they do is humbling, and it makes things so much easier for me as my vehicle is getting old,” he said.

“They’ve gone to a lot of trouble to not only help me, but kids and adults in the hospital, because everyone gets a present.

“The tray will soon be full of toys, and I’ve got well over 40 people and businesses sponsoring me, donating presents and gift cards.”

Ballarat Mazda sales manager Nathan Tinker said the gesture was about giving back to the community.

“This is a great cause to get behind, with kids in need at Christmas time,” he said.

“It’s being donated for the Christmas period, and I couldn’t think of a better way than dressing up a BT-50 so Santa has his sleigh and can give presents to the people that need them.

“Local signwriter The Sign Mill has done the design work, we’ve given it a quick clean up, and made sure there’s enough fuel for Santa’s rounds.”

Mr Tinker said Ballarat Mazda is also making an ongoing commitment to boosting local health care.

“For every new Mazda purchased by Grampians Health Ballarat staff, we will donate $500 to their hospital in the home program for children, Grampians Health at Home Paediatric Program, to help children be cared for in their home,” he said.

“We’re also including a $500 accessory voucher and 10 per cent off scheduled servicing for all staff purchases.”

Grampians Health Ballarat head of fundraising and engagement Sarah Masters said she gets to see the community’s most generous side in her role.

“On behalf of everyone at Grampians Health Ballarat, we’d like to welcome Ballarat Mazda as our newest community supporter and also acknowledge the generosity of Santa Dave and all the local businesses who help spread cheer in the hospital during the festive season,” she said.