Delivering Smiles – Making Christmas Extra Special

Over the years, we have supported and worked with many charities to spread a little happiness. ‘Promise Dreams’ is one of those charities that we were proud to help.

Who are Promise Dreams?

Since its launch in 2001, Promise Dreams has helped hundreds of children to realise their dreams. From a holiday of a lifetime to meeting their celebrity hero, the difference this charity makes is truly heart-warming.

Promise Dreams works with children who are terminally ill and when they approached us for a professional Santa to make a difference to a little boy, Ethan, and his family, we were honoured to help

Sadly, the Christmas that we met Ethan was possibly one of his last. We were proud to be part of making it an extra special one by providing a professional Santa and a team of elves to spend time with Ethan and his family.

The Story

Ethan had been through more than most children with endless hospital visits and several operations. For his parents and brother, not knowing how much longer they had with him meant that they wanted to create as many fun, happy and loving memories as they could.

The request was so heartbreakingly simple – Ethan wanted to meet Santa in his own home, along with his parents and brother.

Our professional Santa hero!

We have many, many Santa performers all of whom are more than entitled to wear the Important Red Suit. We also have hundreds of amazing elves. But we knew we needed someone extra special. We needed a Santa hero.

Step forward Derek, our very own Santa hero who along with his happy band of elves turned a simple request into something amazing for Ethan.

Derek is a passionate, caring and enthusiastic Santa, and a popular performer too. He understands how a sprinkling of magic goes a long way during the festive season.

With connections in the football industry, Derek made it his mission to bring a little bit of Sunderland AFC to the proceedings as Ethan and his family are passionate supporters of the club.

On the day, Santa Derek arrived with a bag stuffed full of toys and gifts, including those from the Promise Dream charity, as well as a football signed by Ethan’s favourite Sunderland AFC players. Derek also added gifts of his own.

But the day wasn’t just about presents, it was about the precious gift of time. Santa Derek and his elves stayed for some time with Ethan, his brother and his parents, making wonderful memories.

Santa and his elves scripted the day, creating a backstory to the day that made the performance truly magical and unique. They opened gifts as a family in the company of one of the magical characters children have, as well as playing games, laughing and crying together.

We were proud to be part of this special dream of Ethan’s, as was Derek. “I was more than happy to be Santa to a very deserving family,” he said “and more than happy to add my own gifts. It was a moment that makes working hard worth it”.

Envisage Promotions Charity Work

We support many charities in many different ways. If you have a request, please contact the team on 0844 800 0071. To find out more about Promise Dreams and how you can help their work with terminally ill children and their families, take a look at their latest projects.