The largest in the Southern Hemisphere, Big Santa has been a beloved local legend since the 1960s, standing tall over Rundle Mall during the Christmas season.
In 2015, David Jones sold the fibreglass statue – which is 16.4 metres tall and weighs over three tonnes – to Adelaide City Council for $1.
Council displayed Big Santa for a couple of festive seasons; but for the past three years, he has been hidden away in a warehouse, and it was recently revealed that he was destined to spend eternity in a scrap heap.
Following the announcement in The Advertiser last month, television and radio presenter Costello made an appeal to Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor in a bid to save the city’s beloved Big Santa.
“He’s part of the fabric of Christmas in South Australia and people were disappointed that he’d been taken away,” Costello said.
“That’s where we stepped in.
“I rang the Lord Mayor and said that if Council didn’t want Big Santa, I’d take him.
“She said that if I wanted him, I could offer Council $2 so they could double their investment in five years.
“Now, my wife and I find ourselves owning the biggest Santa in the Southern Hemisphere.
“When I called her to tell her that I’d made the purchase, she asked me how I manage to get myself into these sorts of things!”
While Big Santa will remain in storage for now, Costello is planning to restore him to his former glory in time for next Christmas.
Facing a bill of $34,000 for the restoration work, Costello has called on the community to help him in his venture.
The popular media personality took to Facebook last Tuesday to announce a Christmas in July fundraiser that will take place on Friday, July 15, 2022, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to repairing Big Santa.
Costello called on 300 people to purchase tickets for the evening.
Though the event is over six months away and no other details were announced, other than that it would include a three-course meal showcasing South Australia’s local produce, the state was quick to back Costello.
“We thought 300 people would be great and we’ve surpassed that now,” he said.
“When I woke up the morning after the announcement, tickets were already 30 per cent sold out.
“Now, I’d like to sell up to 700 tickets.
“I’m confident we’ll raise the money to have Big Santa restored and displayed for next Christmas.
“We don’t have the money or resources to do it alone, but we do have the passion and drive to orchestrate it so that South Australia doesn’t lose its icon.”
Just minutes before speaking with Il Globo, Costello had been in talks with Adelaide Oval, which looks set to host the event.
More details are expected in the New Year.
Costello has also set up a GoFundMe for those who are keen to contribute to the cause but are unable to attend the event.
