Christmas can be a wonderful time of year, but for many children and families coping with difficulties in their lives, it can increase feelings of loneliness and despair which can become overwhelming. And this year, circumstances with the coronavirus pandemic have made things even more difficult for struggling parents.
Every Christmas, Happy Days Children's Charity gives thousands of brave children and their families a really special day giving them a chance to get out, have fun, develop new skills and build confidence. And whilst this year will be a little more complicated with social distancing, we've got loads of activities and special days planned to help bring some vital happiness and hope to really amazing and deserving kids right across the UK.
Last year, Happy Days organised Christmas activities for over 6,000 children, but demand is high and there were many more we were unable to support. So from October to December, we ask individuals, families, groups and businesses to join our team of Secret Santa's and help us raise funds or donate gifts to give kids a Christmas to remember.
However you decide to get involved, we'd be immensely grateful for your support. Whatever you decide to do, get in touch and we'll add your photo or logo to our Secret Santa Gallery to say thank you!
Some examples of how our Secret Santa's have helped in the past:
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Make a donation instead of your office Secret Santa present
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Display one of our Fundraising Christmas Tree Posters
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Do a sponsored Autumn or Winter walk or run with My 5K's for Happy Days or March of the Elephants
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Hold a Christmas Jumper Dress Down Day in your office...maybe via Zoom this year?!
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Donate a Secret Santa present to us and we'll pass it on to a child
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How your support has helped children previously:
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£50 helped us to give a child going through bereavement counselling a day out to see a panto at a local theatre with his grandparents.
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£300 helped us give a disability support group a special day of Christmas stories from the Big Book Man.
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£1000 helped us give a entire SEND school a special panto theatre day in their hall with a visit from a travelling theatre company.
For more information or if you think you can help, contact Rob or Nicky on 01462 530710 or email us at campaigns@happydayscharity.org for help and information.
