Porter is back visiting his daughter, seeing old friends, and making new ones.

Mr. Porter first came to Bermuda in 1960 for a three year term as the Officer for the Somerset Corps of the Salvation Army.

He returned for a four year term in 1980, as the divisional secretary for finance, public relations, and business and in 1982 he started the local Santa Anonymous programme.

Mr. Porter explained that while he was here, the Christmas hamper/toy programme enlarged itself and a new source of support was needed.

He said: "The US Marines gave toys annually but a plan to augment the Christmas toy effort was needed, and needed quickly.'' Mr. Porter was quick to downplay his role as the founder of Santa Anonymous and said: "Some have referred to me as the founder of the Santa's Anonymous Toy programme.

"I don't want to be classed as an Al Gore who perhaps suggested that he was responsible for the Internet -- the concept of Santas Anonymous was not original, but the concept was new to Bermuda.'' Mr. Porter also gave credit to The Royal Gazette's Gary Ritchie and said: "I give full marks to Gary Ritchie, when I presented this idea to him, he immediately had the vision to see this to be a very workable and sound venture.'' And so the project was launched and was a tremendous success.

Mr. Porter said: "I am so pleased The Salvation Army continues to utilise this programme on a yearly basis and I am also very pleased to see that those who live in lovely Bermuda continue to share their hearts each Christmas through this ministry of Santa's Anonymous.'' Mr. Porter who is currently living in New Brunswick, Canada said that there was a similar programme in Canada which is still very popular today.

Although he is now retired, Mr. Porter said he likes to keep busy and has taken up another ministry doing professional counselling, and has been nationally certified.

He also is involved in fundraising, church growth, building projects, and supports several charities.