Every kid knows Santa brings the presents. But at Chateau Victoria, Santa and his Missus also bring out the pancakes.

Today, at Chateau Victoria's Vista 18 restaurant, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be presiding over a sold-out pancake breakfast, the proceeds from which go to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. It's the fifth year for the event, which has raised $12,000 since 2005. This year, organizers hope to bring in $5,000.

Admission has always been by donation, this year with a minimum of $7.50 per child or $15 for adults.

Michelle LeSage, assistant general manager for the Chateau Victoria, said about 400 guests are expected to attend. For many, the breakfast has become a holiday tradition, with families coming back year after year, she said.

"It's just so important to give back to the community," LeSage said, noting that the food is largely donated by the hotel's suppliers, and hotel staff and managers volunteer their time to serve. LeSage even donates her parents, Lois and Edgar LeSage of Parksville, who manage to bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to life.

And the children who come have a great time. "They get to run and sit on Santa and Mrs. Claus's knees and have pancakes. Does it get any better than that?" Le Sage said.

The Times Colonist Christmas Fund raises money for people in need over the holidays. Last year, more than $250,000 was donated to help more than 2,300 households with the makings of Christmas dinner and gifts for children 17 and under.

The Times Colonist Christmas Fund is one of the member agencies of the Greater Victoria Christmas Bureau, which co-ordinates requests for assistance, and then distributes the names to the agencies.

In addition to the TC fund, agencies include: the Salvation Army, Mustard Seed Street Church Food Bank, the Single Parent Resource Centre, Our Place, Sidney Lions Food Bank, Westshore Christmas Hamper Fund, C-FAX Santas Anonymous, Sooke Christmas Hampers and St. Vincent de Paul.

rwatts@tc.canwest.com

- Mail a cheque to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2.

- Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438.

- Donate online through www.queenalexandra.org.

- Leave a donation at the Tuba-Christmas event at Market Square from 1 to 3 p.m. today.

- The Christmas Bureau can be reached at 250-388-5704.