The sibling team behind The Secret Hospitality Group have launched a new campaign aimed at helping Swansea children in self-isolation have a meaningful Christmas.
'The Secret Santa Campaign' will deliver presents and personalised messages on cards on Thursday, December 23, to help spread Christmas cheer to those missing out on the festivities.
Initiated by Ryan Hole, the idea came about after his sister Amy had to self-isolate with her young family. Now the campaign has been launched across the city with an estimated 500 emails all enquiring if Santa could visit their homes.
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"Amy's children had to self isolate last week and this is where it all started - they missed out on all the Christmas festivities and plays," said Ryan
"They had plans to go away and were left a bit down in the dumps and I suggested I go around her house and get dressed up.
"We thought there must have been a lot of people left in a similar situation."
The Secret Hospitality Group will allocate time slots to those stuck in self-isolation so "children can watch from their window as Santa arrives", receiving a gift and personalised note for free. Parents can send their own messages to appear on the notes
"A lot of children are too young to understand why they have to isolate and miss out on all the things they usually enjoy this time of year," added Ryan, aged 36.
"We've had a lot of enquiries both near and far but we're trying to keep it to Swansea and will do our best to fulfil the requests."
Ryan admitted the campaign might be slightly more challenging after several staff members also tested positive this week.
Despite being down on numbers, he said the overwhelming support for the campaign had made them determined to reach as many houses as possible in Swansea.
"We've gone from three Santas now to one but we will do our best to get through as many as possible on the day. It's not a situation we thought we would find ourselves in but the feedback for the campaign has been great and we want to continue it. Any help towards helping children stuck in self-isolating during this time would be great."
If you would like to volunteer to help either as an Elf or Santa on Thursday, you can contact the team via email: info@secrethg.co.uk
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