Action for Children is launching the UK’s first Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto, a grotto experience with a twist where children give a gift rather than receive one.
The magical grotto will open its doors on 29th November and 30th November 2024, for a two-day event that focuses on generosity and kindness. The experience has been designed as an antidote to the busiest consumer spending time of year to encourage members of the public to put ‘giving’ at the heart of Christmas.
Unlike a traditional grotto, at Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto, young visitors will step into the role of a Secret Santa, selecting a gift that could help a vulnerable child. As parents make a donation, their child will choose a present which could help a vulnerable child feel the magic of Christmas.
When arriving at Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto, visitors will be warmly welcomed by friendly elves who will introduce them to the magical concept behind the grotto. In a fun and easy-to-understand way, they’ll explain how this unique experience is all about giving to vulnerable children whilst keeping the festive spirit alive.
Once inside, children will be amazed by Santa’s workshop, filled with toys – each representing something that vulnerable children may not receive at Christmas, like a teddy bear, a hot meal or warm clothes. The child will choose a gift that could help a vulnerable child and present it to Santa.
The parent or carer will be able to make a donation, helping to support the vital work Action for Children does all year round. As a special reward for their kindness, the child will have their photo taken with Santa and receive a ‘thank you’ letter, and a badge for their generosity.
Items in Santa’s workshop that you could buy include:
● £5 – Little teddy bear
● £10 – A trip to visit Santa
● £15 – Books and toys
● £25 – Christmas present
● £40 – Meals and snacks
● £65 – Warm winter clothes and bedding
● Or choose your own donation and give however much you can.
This Christmas, Action for Children is encouraging members of the public to become a Secret Santa and help support vulnerable children. By making a donation, the public directly contributes to providing essential services and gifts to children in need.
Action for Children welcomes Nationwide Building Society as Headline Partner for this year’s Secret Santa campaign. Until 3 December, Nationwide will match donations up to a total of £100,000, meaning every £1 you donate will be worth £2.
