WATCH: 96-year-old Norman Rogul says he gives back because he feels six-feet tall when he does. Susan Hay reports.
TORONTO- Norman Rogul is a 96-year-old man on a mission. For the last six years, Rogul has been throwing a holiday party for the children at Beverley Street Public School in Toronto, a school designed for special needs students.
“It’s just incredible that he comes every year,” said school principal Alana Grossman. “People look at children with disabilities and they feel a great sadness, but Norman brings a great joy to it. Every child here, no matter what their status in life is, has a gift from Uncle Norman. I guess it’s like getting a gift from Santa Claus.”
Norman’s daughter Denise Rogul said her father’s great nephew was born with a degenerative disease and attended The Beverley School when he was young.
“Dad being dad said he wanted to participate, and that’s how the holiday party started,” she said.
The holiday party is now a tradition that the entire school looks forward to. There is music, dancing, cake, and of course, presents for all 94 children.
“It’s for me I’m doing this,” said Rogul. “I was five-foot-eight and I shrunk to five-six, but when I walk out of this room, I’m six-feet tall and it’s just unbelievable. Time is so valuable. People who don’t take time to do things are making a big mistake.”
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