Join us at Secret Santa's Giving Grotto
This Christmas, we're 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.
Each year, we ask incredible supporters like you to be a Secret Santa for a vulnerable child. Because too many UK children have never felt the magic of Christmas. To add to the festivities this year, we're also launching our very own Giving Grotto, where children can choose a virtual gift for a vulnerable child.
In the run up to the festive season, we ran a poll on children and young people aged 11 to 21 in the UK. We found that two-thirds of the young people (66%) said they'd would be willing to donate one of their own Christmas presents to a child or young person they knew wasn’t going to get one.
Of those who said they would or might donate one of their presents, nearly a third (32%) said they would do it because they understand many families don’t have a lot of money at the moment, and almost four in ten said because it’s a kind thing to do (39%).
The results showed the hugely generous spirit of children and young people.
Unlike a traditional grotto, at Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto, young visitors will step into the role of a Secret Santa and select 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.
Childhood is short. We don’t have long to make magical memories. At Action for Children, we hope that our first of a kind, Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto will spread the message of kindness during this difficult period for those who need it most.
Paul Carberry, Chief Executive Officer of Action for Children
Be a Secret Santa and help a vulnerable child
When arriving at Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto, visitors will be warmly welcomed by friendly elves who'll 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 toy-filled workshop – each representing something that vulnerable children may not receive at Christmas. This could be a teddy bear, a hot meal, or warm clothes. Your little one will then choose a gift that could help a vulnerable child and present it to Santa.
Parents or carers will then be able to make a donation, helping to support the vital work we do at Action for Children all year round.
As a special reward for their kindness, your child will have their photo taken with Santa and receive a ‘thank you’ letter and a badge for their generosity.
Actor and Action for Children Ambassador, Larry Lamb, said:
“Christmas is a season of joy and goodwill, but it can also be a time of financial hardship for many. It’s easy to think that poverty happens elsewhere rather than in your own community. For many, Christmas is just another day of empty cupboards, putting on an extra jumper to keep warm and wondering why their friend got presents and they didn’t."
“Action for Children’s work to help families celebrate in a special way has always been inspiring to me. Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto is really taking that to the next level this year. I hope this Christmas and beyond, people will spread joy by becoming Secret Santas to support vulnerable children across the UK.”
There will be a range of items in Santa's workshop to buy. They'll 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.
The magical grotto will open its doors on 29 and 30 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, with the aim of encouraging members of the public to put ‘giving’ at the heart of Christmas.
By making a donation, you'll be directly contributing to providing essential services and gifts to children in need. And until 3 December, Nationwide Building Society will match donations up to a total of £100,000, meaning every £1 you donate will be worth £2.
For more information visit iamsanta.org.uk.
Complete Santa's wish list with your little one and get into the Christmas spirit
Date & Timings
Secret Santa's giving grotto will be taking place on the 29 November at 12.30PM to 7PM or the 30 November from 10AM to 7PM.
Entry price
The event entry for your ticket is free, but Action for Children will take a £5 deposit to secure visitors’ booking through a third-party payment provider, Design My Night.
This will be fully refunded within three working days from attending the event, or within 3 working days of cancellation. Or if visitors cancel with more than 24 hours’ notice. At the grotto, there is an expectation to make a donation to a vulnerable child of however much someone can give.
Number of attendees
Each ticket allows a family of up to five people
How to find us
Address: 15 Bateman Street, Soho, London W1D 3AQ
Nearest Tubes: Tottenham Court Road
Book here: www.designmynight.com/givinggrotto
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