DROUGHT relief was the main message of this year’s Stuffed Santa winners, with the Howlett and Gerritsen families taking home the top spot.
The two neighbouring families collaborated to provide a display and deliver an important message to the community.
The display features Santa with a number of sheep and his own “North Pole Drought Relief” as he provides feed and water to farmers in need.
Inspired by his work travels, Brad Howlett developed the idea with neighbour Tom Gerritsen before the two families organised the finer details.
“From a drought perspective we are in a pretty good part of the world,” Mr Howlett said.
“In areas up north they are doing it pretty tough and we thought we would shine some light on it.”
The two families joined together to create the display, securing first place from more than 30 entries across Penola and Coonawarra.
Mr Howlett’s wife Veronica said the families undertook art and craft sessions with their children to create the moving display.
“We did a lot of paper mache work together and there were a lot of laughs,” she said.
“It was nice to have the two families together and just enjoying our time.”
The Howletts enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit and have participated in the Stuffed Santa competition for a number of years.
“It is a great initiative and it is a good community format that everyone can get involved with,” Ms Howlett said.
“People want to take their families for a drive to see all of the different displays which is great.
“A lot of our friends have commented on how impressed they are with the idea and how we have put it all together.”
