A Greenfield native is spreading Christmas cheer year-round by offering his services as a professional Santa to raise money for a therapeutic riding program in Bernardston. Jeffrey Gordon, who has a striking resemblance to the jolly old elf, is donating all proceeds from his Santa gigs to Courageous Strides, an organization that provides equine-assisted activities to military veterans and individuals recovering from emotional and physical trauma.

Bringing Smiles and Raising Funds for a Worthy Cause

Embracing the Santa Role

Jeffrey Gordon's journey to becoming a professional Santa began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While working at Medtronic, his coworkers started calling him "Santa" due to his resemblance to the iconic figure. This led to requests for him to do video chats with children, and Gordon soon realized he had a natural talent for the role. With his genuine beard and jolly demeanor, he decided to fully embrace the Santa persona and use it to make a difference.

Spreading Christmas Cheer and Raising Funds for Courageous Strides

Gordon now offers his services as a professional Santa for family, business, and town events throughout western Massachusetts. He requires a minimum $75 donation to Courageous Strides, a therapeutic riding program that has been providing equine-assisted activities to military veterans and individuals recovering from emotional and physical trauma since 2019. Gordon's goal is to raise $1,000 for the program before the new year, building on the $600 he raised last year.

The Inspiration Behind Gordon's Efforts

Gordon's motivation to become a Santa fundraiser is deeply rooted in his family's legacy and his own experiences. His father, Ralph Gordon, was a well-known columnist for the Springfield Union-News, where he wrote a weekly column titled "Never a Bad Day," encouraging readers to find the bright moments in every day. Jeffrey Gordon has also fond memories of the elaborate Christmas displays he and his family created when he was growing up, which further inspired his passion for the holiday season.

The Impact of Courageous Strides

Courageous Strides, operated out of Stoney B Acres, is making a significant impact on the lives of its participants. The program is led by Deb Gordon, Jeffrey's wife, who took over the organization in 2022 after becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The program's horses are highly intuitive and can sense the emotions of their riders, helping them to open up and heal from past traumas.

Providing Scholarships and Transforming Lives

The funds raised by Jeffrey Gordon as Santa are used to provide scholarships for participants in the Courageous Strides program, ensuring that individuals from limited means can access the life-changing benefits of equine-assisted therapy. Deb Gordon has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the program, recounting the story of a rider who, after suffering a stroke, was able to ride independently again.

The Lasting Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy

The Courageous Strides program is making a profound difference in the lives of its participants, particularly military veterans and individuals who have experienced severe emotional or physical trauma. The bond between the riders and the horses helps to break down the walls that often surround these individuals, allowing them to confront and heal from their past experiences. The program's impact extends far beyond the riding sessions, as participants continue to carry the lessons and confidence they've gained into their daily lives.