Jean-Guy’s 25,000-piece collection fills his entire house! 74-year-old Jean-Guy Laquerre from Boucherville, Quebec, today celebrates being formally recognised as the largest collector of Santa Claus-themed memorabilia in the world, having accumulated an incredible 25,189 items from 33 countries over the past 22 years. His record-breaking collection, which is still growing in size, has earned him a place in the Guinness World Records 2011 edition and will also attribute as part of the new Guinness World Records iPad app Guinness World Records: At Your Fingertips, which launches today on the iTunes store.
Jean-Guy began his collection in 1988 after being left a Santa Claus statue from the early 1900s by a deceased relative. This touching gesture inspired him to start hunting for all Santa-related, from postcards and brooches to toys and posters. And just like Santa, in his bid to keep expanding his collection, Jean-Guy has his own band of helpers – friends rather than elves! – That sends him gifts from antique shops and garage sales, to assist boost his assortment of Father Christmas merchandise.
Now the enthusiast has been rewarded with a certificate, a place in the 2011 edition book and will also feature in the new Guinness World Records app which launches today. Commenting on his record-breaking collection, Jean-Guy said: “To be included in the Guinness World Records book is a big respect. It’s the best of the best, the top of the top – like being an Olympic gold medal winner! Being part of the iPad app gives me even more joy as it will assist spread the happiness my collection brings to people.”
