Reminder: Even though it is the busiest time of the year in Santa's grotto in Lapland, our dear old Saint Nicholas is taking a few days off and heading to Kalkan, for a short winter sun break.

He never forgets the land of his birth, and this year, on Sunday 18th December, after a quick visit to the in-laws at Patara, he will drive through Kalkan in his open top sleigh, before going to Parc Kalkan restaurant, to preside over a very important event, the annual Kalkan Christmas charity appeal.

This year we want to provide warm clothing for the children of Van made homeless by the recent earthquakes. The temperature in Van is now minus 15 degrees and there is heavy snow .

Many families lost everything they posses, and are still living in tents. There are reports of up to 8 children having already been killed by the severe cold, so our help is urgently needed.

We are co-ordinating our efforts with the Turkish Red Crescent to ensure that the most needy children receive the clothes we collect.

So please come along and visit Santa and bring him a present to give to the children. We will accept any warm clothing, new or used, hats, scarves, gloves, jumpers, fleeces.

If you prefer, you can make a donation and we will buy clothing on your behalf. We have arranged with a local supplier to buy at wholesale prices and he has made a donation of clothing for our appeal.

Santa will have small gifts for all local children who visit him. Adults can get in the Christmas spirit with Christmas music, mulled wine, mince pies and lots of other Christmas goodies.

There will be a selection of cakes for sale and an auction presided over by KTLN's very own master auctioneer Top Cat.

The event begins at 11am when Santa arrives, and he will stay until 2.30 as he has an evening flight back to Lapland so he can get back to his own Christmas preparations.

To get you in the mood, here are a few photos from Santa's visit to Parc Kalkan, in December 2010.

Below: Santa arrives at Parc Kalkan, with a helper.

Below: The mince pie elves.

The local children were very impressed with Santa. They crowded round him for several hours, sharing secrets and finding out all about his life.

Santa handed out gifts of sweets and chocolate to all the children who came to see him.  This included a large and enthusiastic group of Kalkan children, who came to entertain Santa.

We hope to see you there.

Originally published on 7th December 2011.

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