Leafs tough guy becomes a Santa's Helper

Over 200 kids were treated to a special day at the Air Canada Centre on December 10, 2002. The kids were part of Tie Domi's Santa on Wheels Program. Tie's charitable foundation with assistance of the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club this year spreads the joy of Christmas to over 1,000 underprivileged children. These kids find themselves homeless and in shelters and hostels throughout the city at this time of year through no fault of their own.

This is the 7th year Tie and his wife Leanne have played Santa. Tie has donated over 25,000 toys over the course of the program.

The kids were greeted by a mountain of toys when they arrived at the Air Canada Centre. The hot chocolate was flowing and the games of table hockey began. Soon it was time for the big guy in the red suit to arrive. No, not Santa by Santa Tie decked out in a red Leafs jersey and a Santa hat. Carlton, the Leafs mascot, was big hit with the kids.

Each kid was given a Leafs hat and the opportunity to select a gift from the gift table. Tie signed autographs for each of the kids. Then the kids were treated to the practices of both the Leafs and the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. Following the two practices the kids were served lunch.