{"id":47242,"date":"2020-12-21T12:13:23","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T12:13:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=47242"},"modified":"2020-12-21T12:13:26","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T12:13:26","slug":"father-christmas-cardiff-charities-and-fundraising-through-coronavirus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2020\/12\/21\/father-christmas-cardiff-charities-and-fundraising-through-coronavirus\/","title":{"rendered":"Father Christmas, Cardiff charities and fundraising through Coronavirus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Charities have been through a lot in 2020. But Father Christmas is here to save them<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>LIKE so many other organisations, charities are nearing the end of what has been an extremely challenging year. With Christmas just around the corner, a visit from Father Christmas has never been so eagerly anticipated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Newport charity working with Father Christmas to grant children&#8217;s Dreams &amp; Wishes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1012\" height=\"626\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1.jpg 1012w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1-770x476.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1-293x181.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 1012px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1012\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1.jpg 1012w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1-770x476.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Father-Christmas-put-smiles-on-faces-on-South-Wales-hospital-wards-last-year-1-293x181.jpg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 1012px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Father Christmas visiting a South Wales hospital in 2019. Image: Dreams &amp; Wishes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For the seriously ill children being treated in South Wales hospitals, their surroundings may seem alien and uninviting &#8211; and yet, when Father Christmas comes to visit, the entire atmosphere changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tony Curtis MBE, chairman of children&#8217;s charity <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dreamsandwishescharity.org\/\">Dreams &amp; Wishes<\/a>, has accompanied Santa on his visits to local hospitals ever since he set up the charity in 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When they visited last year, the red and green of Santa\u2019s costume &#8211; and the vivid yellow of his partner, Pudsey Bear &#8211; shone brightly against the clinical backdrop, offering hope and warmth to patients and staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While their visits will not be the same this year, with Father Christmas only able to wave at the children through the hospitals\u2019 windows, Mr Curtis believes that ensuring the visits happen in a Covid-safe way is \u201cvitally important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve got over a thousand presents being delivered to the children\u2019s wards. We\u2019re going to drop them off and we\u2019re hoping that we can see the children through the windows and that Father Christmas will be able to wave at them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is not just the children who are in for a treat. Thanks to Dreams &amp; Wishes, Santa will be delivering 15 boxes of biscuits to staff members at three local hospitals (the Morriston in Swansea, Heath Hospital in Cardiff, and Newport&#8217;s Grange University Hospital) when he visits in the run-up to Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote alignleft\"><blockquote><p>The doctors, nurses and care workers have had a really tough year, and it&#8217;s nice to create smiles and a positive message.  <\/p><cite>Tony Curtis MBE<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr Curtis said: \u201cThe NHS and the doctors, nurses and care workers have had a really tough year, and it\u2019s nice to create smiles and a positive message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFather Christmas won\u2019t stop coming because of Covid, and we\u2019re not going to stop because of Covid. We\u2019ll do our social distancing and keep as safe as we can, but I think it would be a real shame if we didn\u2019t do it this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Welsh are very passionate about giving, so it\u2019s really important that we do that.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dreams and Wishes\u2019 efforts to bring Christmas cheer to children extends beyond their hospital visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Families who visit Father Christmas will have become familiar with the typical backdrop of one of his grottos: Warm colours, a roaring fireplace, a table of mince pies, milk, and carrots for the reindeer and, of course, the busy work of his elves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The charity is offering families the opportunity to experience this tradition this year &#8211; albeit, through the digital lens of a Zoom call &#8211; in exchange for a small donation. Despite the lack of intimacy, Father Christmas is looking forward to meeting children virtually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking before a Dreams &amp; Wishes shift in his virtual grotto, Santa said: \u201cI\u2019ll be talking to the kids, having a good time with them, finding out what they want for Christmas, what their interests are and whether they&#8217;ve been able to do it this year, and really just putting their minds at rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discussing the digital nature of the visits, he said: \u201cThe youngsters seem to be accepting it very well because they are now used to communicating with friends virtually. There haven\u2019t been any problems as far as they\u2019re concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s going to be an elf controlling the technology because if I touch it, it\u2019ll break!&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Brighten up your Christmas and enjoy a video call with Santa live from his grotto! \ud83c\udf85<br> <br>Will you be on the Naughty or Nice List? \ud83c\udf81<br> <br>Head to <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/xWL9vL10kd\">https:\/\/t.co\/xWL9vL10kd<\/a> for more info \ud83c\udf1f<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SmileWithSanta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#SmileWithSanta<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ocVMQWPrAN\">pic.twitter.com\/ocVMQWPrAN<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Dreams &amp; Wishes (@DreamsWishesOrg) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DreamsWishesOrg\/status\/1338155955620630531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 13, 2020<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the charity sector, with it being reported in June that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/2020\/jun\/09\/coronavirus-leaves-one-in-10-uk-charities-facing-bankruptcy-this-year\">one in 10 UK charities are facing bankruptcy<\/a>, Mr Curtis appreciates that Dreams &amp; Wishes has made it through relatively unscathed as a result of its low expenditure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone involved with the charity is a volunteer, meaning it does not pay salaries or expenses. It is based in a building owned by Mr Curtis, so it does not pay rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although it is financially stable, the charity has been unable to put on many of its money-making activities, so the donations it has received from its supporters and through events like the virtual Santa visits have been more gratefully received than ever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Incredibly, despite the challenges the charity has had to overcome this year, there has seemingly been little impact on its ability to make seriously (often terminally) ill children happy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr Curtis said: \u201cWe\u2019ve fulfilled more wishes in lockdown than we\u2019ve ever done before. We\u2019ve been putting smiles on the faces of families every single week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat we\u2019ve missed most of all is seeing people connect at Dreams &amp; Wishes&#8217; events and seeing seriously ill children connecting with other seriously ill children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#8220;We&#8217;ve created something quite beautiful&#8221;: Father Christmas visits Roath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery alignwide columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47269\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47269\" class=\"wp-image-47269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW.jpg 1197w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47269\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47269\" class=\"wp-image-47269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW.jpg 1197w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47270\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47270\" class=\"wp-image-47270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2.jpg 1098w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47270\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47270\" class=\"wp-image-47270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-2.jpg 1098w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Father Christmas and an elf at St Andrew&#8217;s United Reformed Church. Image: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WyburnAndWayne\/\">Wyburn and Wayne<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For Nathan Wyburn and Wayne Courtney, better known as Wyburn and Wayne, the money raised by their grotto for a local charity is a welcome bonus to helping local children enjoy Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At St Andrew\u2019s United Reformed Church in Roath, families were able to visit Father Christmas in his grotto at a safe distance of three metres, with all proceeds going to the church&#8217;s fund. The grotto was open every Saturday from November 28 until December 19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The pair\u2019s main aim was to bring a sense of magic to children in the community, which is certainly something they have achieved. At their grotto, Santa sits in front of his fireplace, surrounded by an ever-so-slightly precarious pile of lovingly wrapped presents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His elves have fully embraced the challenge of running a safe, socially distanced grotto, which was visited by over 100 families on Saturday, December 5 alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/WW-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>A mountain of presents surrounds Father Christmas on one of his visits to Roath. Image: Wyburn and Wayne<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr Courtney said: \u201cWhen you think back to being a child, seeing Santa is something you always remember. This year more than ever, I think the children needed something because they\u2019ve missed proms, Halloween and birthday parties. We thought that they can\u2019t miss Christmas &#8211; and the opportunity to meet Santa &#8211; as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMoney wasn\u2019t our main objective. We just wanted the kids to meet Santa. We\u2019ve created something quite beautiful and it\u2019s been so popular and so well-received. The photos coming in have been amazing.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe know it\u2019s not going to be a lot of money raised and it doesn\u2019t go a long way, but it goes far enough just to tide them over,\u201d Mr Wyburn added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lovely day at the Santa\u2019s Grotto at St Andrews Church. Families loved it! So glad we were able to create a socially distanced Grotto in a safe environment. <br>Great work today <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WyburnWayne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@WyburnWayne<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NathanWyburnArt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@NathanWyburnArt<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/RJK1701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@RJK1701<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AshL93?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@AshL93<\/a> <br>Grotto will be open again next Saturday \ud83c\udf84\ud83c\udf85\ud83c\udffd <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/50Zte9nUcF\">pic.twitter.com\/50Zte9nUcF<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Wayne Courtney (@wayne_courts) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wayne_courts\/status\/1337885676470145024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 12, 2020<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Although Wyburn and Wayne understate the importance of it, the money they have raised is making a real difference for the church and its community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reverend Des Kitto explained that the church&#8217;s roof underwent repairs last year, but a small area of it has a recurring leak which he expects will cost \u00a34,000 to repair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSt Andrew\u2019s is well-known for its work with voluntary groups,\u201d says Reverend Kitto but, due to the pandemic, the church has not received any income from them since February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Between March and August, the church was unable to open at all, which meant it missed out on weekly donations from its congregation. With social distancing measures now in place, it is collecting \u201conly a small amount of what we used to get in income.&#8221; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the church, Reverend Kitto described the financial support from the grotto and other fundraising groups as &#8220;a lifesaver.&#8221;  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">100 people run dressed as Santa for Welsh heart charities &#8211; but there&#8217;s hope for more next year <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"636\" height=\"389\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47273\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47273\" class=\"wp-image-47273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1-300x183.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1-293x179.jpeg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"636\" height=\"389\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47273\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47273\" class=\"wp-image-47273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1.jpeg 636w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1-300x183.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Santa-Dash-1-293x179.jpeg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">At last year&#8217;s Santa dash, 2,500 people came to Cardiff Bay. Image: Cymru Hearts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While Father Christmas himself cannot attend the annual Santa dash in aid of Cymru Hearts and Calon Heart Screening, his spirit can certainly still be felt as thousands of festively dressed runners, joggers and walkers descend on Cardiff Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is an impressive sight and an inspirational display of generosity by those who organise the event, as well as the willing runners who brave the December chill. At least, that is how it normally goes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In previous years, 2,500 people have taken part in the Santa dash, raising up to \u00a330,000. This year, only around 100 people signed up for a virtual version, running or walking a route of their choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote alignleft\"><blockquote><p>It&#8217;s not easy, but we couldn&#8217;t do our job without the support we get.<\/p><cite>Sharon Owen<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of those completed the event on Sunday, December 13 &#8211; with some even running marathons rather than 5k to fundraise for defibrillators &#8211; but people can take part in the event throughout December. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sharon Owen, who is the charity and fundraising director of Cymru Hearts and Calon Heart Screening, is disappointed by the outcome of the virtual Santa dash but grateful for those who have braved the wintry conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mrs Owen said: \u201cIt\u2019s not the same, is it? We just have to hope and pray that we\u2019ll be back down the Bay next year to hold a successful event and raise much-needed funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d just like to say a huge thank you to everybody for agreeing to do it virtually. It\u2019s not easy, but we couldn\u2019t do our job without the support that we get.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSunday\u2019s weather was horrendous. I was down there at the Bay and I was quite glad that there was no-one doing it yesterday as they\u2019d have all been drenched.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"531\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47376\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47376\" class=\"wp-image-47376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-271x300.jpeg 271w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-293x324.jpeg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47376\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47376\" class=\"wp-image-47376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-271x300.jpeg 271w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-293x324.jpeg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"563\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4-563x1024.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47378\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47378\" class=\"wp-image-47378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4-563x1024.png 563w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4-165x300.png 165w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4-293x533.png 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4.png 571w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"563\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4-563x1024.png\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47378\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47378\" class=\"wp-image-47378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4-563x1024.png 563w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4-165x300.png 165w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4-293x533.png 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-4.png 571w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"542\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47380\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47380\" class=\"wp-image-47380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3-266x300.jpeg 266w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3-293x331.jpeg 293w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"542\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"47380\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?attachment_id=47380\" class=\"wp-image-47380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3-266x300.jpeg 266w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/12\/Dash-3-293x331.jpeg 293w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">People across Wales take part in the virtual Santa dash on Sunday, 13 December. Photos provided by Cymru Hearts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Cymru Hearts &#8211; which is undergoing a rebrand from Welsh Hearts &#8211; and Calon Heart Screening are based in Llandaff. Cymru Hearts is the leading charity in Wales for placing defibrillators in communities and delivering lifesaving defibrillator and CPR training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Calon Screening has an equally important role, working to reduce the number of deaths of seemingly healthy young people to heart conditions that could have been prevented by simple procedures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sadly, the charity is set to end 2020 in a worse position than it started the year in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s been pretty tough\u201d, said Mrs Owen. \u201cIn March on the first weekend of lockdown, we lost about \u00a360,000 in one weekend as all of our events had to be cancelled. We had a few grants come in the summer which saved us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve furloughed the staff, and we\u2019re back to now just being two of us. I won\u2019t be bringing the other people back, so we\u2019ve let them go, sadly. But that\u2019s the nature of the beast at the moment, it\u2019s what companies, charities and businesses have been forced to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the adversity her charities have faced, Mrs Owen holds optimism for the new year, with a range of events in the pipeline &#8211; including next year\u2019s Santa dash, back where it belongs at the Bay. They are also organising a \u2018go red\u2019 month in February to support the Big Red Heart Appeal, putting together Wales\u2019s biggest tea party, and planning balls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking ahead, Mrs Owen said: \u201cIn spring, we\u2019ll hopefully see things start to get better because people will want to go out. Our events will have to happen because that\u2019s how we survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWithout our events, we haven\u2019t got a charity. We rely heavily on those donations of time, money and volunteering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>For South Wales\u2019s charities, we can only hope that normality will be resumed in 2021 and they will be able to maximise their fundraising efforts once more. To help them end a difficult year on a more uplifting note, please take a look at the links below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/santa.dreamsandwishescharity.org\/\">Book a virtual visit with Father Christmas through Dreams &amp; Wishes (donations gratefully received)<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/santadash.wales\/\">Take part in Cymru Hearts&#8217; virtual Santa Dash <\/a><\/strong><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/WyburnAndWayne\"><strong>Contact Wyburn and Wayne about their socially distanced grotto at St Andrew&#8217;s church in Roath, open on Saturday, December 19<\/strong> <strong>from 11am &#8211; 1pm<\/strong>. <strong>A \u00a33 donation is requested. <\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Charities have been through a lot in 2020. Is Father Christmas here to save them?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":549,"featured_media":47256,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6865,14],"tags":[6930,6929,6928,6931,887],"coauthors":[6734],"class_list":["post-47242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-inspiring-cardiff","category-longer-reads","tag-calon-heart-screening","tag-cymru-hearts","tag-dreams-wishes","tag-st-andrews-church","tag-welsh-hearts"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Father Christmas, Cardiff charities and fundraising through Coronavirus - The Cardiffian<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"South Wales&#039;s Charities have been through a lot through the pandemic. 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