UK’s first FREE Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto - an Action for Children grotto with a twist
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.
New research by the charity reveals the generous spirit of children and young people aged between 11-21 in the UK. With two-thirds (66%) of children polled showing they would be willing to donate one of their own Christmas presents to a child or young person they knew wasn’t going to receive any presents at all.
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 4 in ten said because it’s a kind thing to do (39%).
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.
Further findings show that 66% of children and young people polled who celebrate Christmas revealed they would give up a festive tradition (such as Christmas dinner, tree, decorations, markets or grottos) to help their parents or carers make the period more affordable. Furthermore, 69% of children and young people predicted that it was likely that a parent or carer will have to sacrifice something important or special for themselves over the Christmas holidays for them to receive a present.
Paul Carberry, Chief Executive Officer of Action for Children said: “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."
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.”
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.
For more information visit iamsanta.org.uk.
Please note, booking slots at the Secret Santa’s Giving Grotto can be made by visiting https://www.designmynight.com/london/whats-on/activity/giving-grotto?t=tickets
