Avery’s Farm Market, situated in Beaver Bank, N.S., may not be in close proximity to the North Pole, but for the upcoming weeks, it is providing local children with a direct connection to Santa Claus.

Over the past few years, the market has served as a drop-off point for children’s letters and wish lists to Santa. Now, with the Canada Post strike having lasted for a week, Avery’s anticipates an increased need for its unique service.

“Before we even set up the mailbox, we had several inquiries from people asking when it would be available and if we were still offering the service this year,” remarked Cameron Day, the supervisor of the market. He added, “We are thrilled that people are eagerly looking forward to it.”

Children have the opportunity to drop off their letters until a week before Christmas and collect a personalized response from Santa Claus a few days later.

Day, who also plays the role of one of Santa’s helpers during this season, further explained, “As soon as children learn about this and the festive season begins, we receive a flood of letters. We also ensure we leave candy canes for them when they return.”

More than 55,000 Canada Post workers initiated a strike the previous Friday, causing a halt in mail and parcel services across the country. Certain post offices have also closed due to the strike.

For over four decades, Canada Post has facilitated the delivery of letters to Santa, with volunteers assisting in replying. It managed approximately 1.4 million responses to Santa in the previous year.

However, a spokesperson from Canada Post informed Global News that due to the national strike, they are unable to deliver mail to and from Santa in the North Pole.

“We hope that postal operations can resume as soon as possible during this crucial time for customers. When operations do resume, we will assist Santa by delivering a response to every letter sent to him this year,” Lisa Liu, a spokesperson for Canada Post wrote.

In response to this situation, Day expressed that Avery’s is ready to step in and ensure the continuation of the holiday magic.

He shared, “Ensuring that kids get their letters to Santa is something we take very seriously. It’s a crucial part of the holiday season for us.”

The magic of Christmas is alive and well at Avery’s Farm Market, a testament to the power of community spirit and the joy of keeping childhood traditions alive.