West Edmonton Mall embraces diversity initiative for Saint Nick [Video]

Alex Appiah is feeling merry and bright as he prepares for a shift at West Edmonton Mall, donning a beard of white and a suit of red.

The 29-year-old Edmonton man has worked through the shopping centre’s holiday hustle and bustle for eight years, mostly at the mall’s Galaxyland indoor amusement park.

But he says he’s making this December the one to remember as he gears up to be one of the first Black actors to play Santa Claus through an initiative named “Santa for All at West Edmonton Mall.”

“I’m feeling great,” he said in a recent phone interview. “It’s going to be a good day.”

Billed as an enhancement to traditional photos with Santa Claus, the initiative allows guests to learn about each Kris Kringle and book photos with the one that resonates most with them.

Appiah is one of two diverse actors taking part. The other is …