BE SOMEONE'S SANTA

Let’s not mention the C-word quite yet, but we all know the festive period is just around the corner and it can be a difficult time for families in need of support. Step forward

Be Someone Santa, an initiative set up by psychotherapist Jen

Bannerman who became aware just how hard it was for support agencies to help out at Christmas time. Five years ago Jen was allocated 35 families to support. Through family, friends and Facebook she was able to provide gifts for them all. Last year Be

Someone’s Santa gave out 1600 presents. The need for a present donation service has grown exponentially, and this year she is expecting to help over 2000 families.

How do people get involved?

You can donate individually or as a business. But registering is vital so you can be allocated a child or young person to buy for. Individuals, businesses or organisations can register at www.besomeonessanta.com

Furthermore, any fundraising from businesses is also welcomed. Monies raised go towards making up gift bags for children/ young people who come on the radar at the last minute (when it's too late to find a person to allocate to), and to help provide for teenage recipients who are usually the most difficult to fulfil (people tend to want to buy for younger children). Funds are often used to buy young people experiential gift cards as this allows the opportunity to be social with friends where money would usually not permit this. Skypark is a donation and present allocating hub in the run up to Christmas this year. If you would like to drop a gift off (remember to register online first) the team are hosting 4 public drop off dates. These will be run between 10am - 4pm on: Saturday 20th November Sunday 21st November Saturday 27th November Sunday 28th November

Drop your gift off at the old Launch Unit, at the back of Skypark 5. For more information on the initiative check out besomeonessanta.com or get in touch with Jen and her team at hello@besomeonessanta.com