Some Christmas cheer came early for more than 30 families cared for by a local hospice.
Using the power of technology, Santa individually called up children and young people supported by Havens Hospices on Saturday 28th November for a personal chat about what they’ve been up to this year and what their hopes are for Christmas. They even sang songs together and told jokes.
It was organised by ‘Santa’s Grotto Live’ at no cost to the charity. Lucy Smith is the Wellbeing Events Co-ordinator at Havens Hospices. She says, “We knew that Christmas was not going to be the same this due to the pandemic, and as so many of our families are vulnerable they weren’t able to see Santa in person.
“We are so pleased we were able to offer alternatives during this time and still bring the spirit of Christmas into their homes, from a direct call from the big man himself in his home at the North Pole.”
Evie Malins is cared for by Little Havens. Her mum Sarah said, “We had a lovely time enjoying the Santa video call. Both Evie and her brother Max enjoyed listening to Santa in his beautiful home in the North Pole, and loved the singing and games. It certainly got us all feeling very festive!”
Freddie Overton, Director at Santa’s Grotto Live, said, “It was a privilege to run this Live Zoom Call for Havens Hospices. Santa loved meeting all the children and had such fun singing songs and playing games with everybody.”
The care of Havens Hospices is completely free of charge, thanks to the support of the community making donations and supporting campaigns like the charity’s ’12 Days of Christmas.’ To find out more, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/12days
Published 3rd December 2020
