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A True Christmas Project 2018

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Can you imagine being a kid and not receiving a single present from Santa?  In Brazil, millions of children that live in favelas, otherwise known as "shanty towns", do not receive a single present on Christmas Day.  

Over the past six years, with nearly $23,000 raised by more than 696 donors, Christmas gifts have been purchased for thousands of impoverished children in Brazil. It is my pleasure to kick off our 7th Anniversary of the online fundraising initiative for A True Christmas Project.
 
As many of you are aware, A True Christmas Project (Natal de Verdade) is a family project started by uncle, Heleno Dória, in the 1990’s where he rode his motorcycle through the shanty towns of Belo Horizonte, Brazil dressed as Santa Claus, delivering toys and candy to the children on Christmas morning.  Since 2012, with the introduction of online fundraising, the quality and quantity of gifts for the Brazilian children have drastically improved.  In 2017, we were able to once again upgrade the quality of the gifts. The average toy price was BRL 12.23 (USD $3.72). We purchased a total of 1,237 presents which included dolls, soccer balls and toy cars/trucks. Just a few years ago, we used to buy toys that ranged from BRL 1 to BRL 2.  All gifts are purchased by me from the United States. Once purchased, a receipt is promptly sent to all donor e-mail addresses on file.

Below are the results from the past six years.  

2012: $1,475 raised by 45 people 
2013: $2,876 raised by 118 people 
2014: $3,715 raised by 125 people 
2015: $3,920 raised by 137 people 
2016: $6,010 raised by 151 people 
2017: $4,780 raised by 120 people 

In 2018, our goal is to raise a minimum of $3,500 in donations from at least 100 people.  Funds will be used to buy high-quality gifts that range from $1-$10.  For those who have actively participated in the past, I kindly ask to you help us by sharing this initiative within your networks.  Together, I believe that we can make 2018 the best Christmas that the Brazilian children have ever seen!  Thank you so much for your continued support. 

Facebook/Instagram Pages: 
https://www.facebook.com/atruechristmasproject/ 
https://www.instagram.com/atruechristmasproject/ 

Special Note  
All funds raised here will be used to buy gifts directly from the wholesale supplier in Brazil, by me, on December 18, 2018.  Receipts from previous years can be provided upon request.  Although we’d like to obtain 501 (c) (3) status from the IRS in the near future due to outstanding growth in recent years, this fundraiser is currently not tax-deductible. My idea is that this personal fund will make it easier for my friends to donate to this project organized by my family. 
 
Link to photos and videos from past events:


Photos
2017 Photos – A True Christmas Project 
2016 Photos – A True Christmas Project 
2015 Photos – A True Christmas Project 
2014 Photos – A True Christmas Project 
2013 Photos – A True Christmas Project 
2012 Photos – A True Christmas Project 


Videos
A True Christmas Project 2017: Instagram Stories  / Brazilian TV News 
A True Christmas Project 2016: Recap video and interviews 
A True Christmas Project 2015: Recap video and interviews 
A True Christmas Project 2014: Recap video and interviews 
A True Christmas Project 2013: Behind the scenes preparations 
A True Christmas Project 2012: Interview with NBC Boston 
A True Christmas Project 2007: Feature on a Brazilian network channel 

About "A True Christmas" Project

A True Christmas Project's mission is to bring a smile to the needy children of the Brazilian shanty towns on Christmas day. We aim to reach as many children as possible every year by giving them simple but meaningful gifts on Christmas day. When a gift is not possible, Santa Claus is around to make the children laugh and give them hope for a better tomorrow. Everything started nearly 30 years ago when Heleno Dória wanted to give the children the opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus. Santa Claus started this project by simply walking around the shanty towns handing out candy, popcorn and taking pictures with the children. Then, Santa Claus started using a motorcycle in 1997 to hand out candy and gifts. Today, we have a motorcade with more than 30 vehicles every year. Additionally, a team of amazing volunteers help distribute gifts, clothes and food to the needy children.
Would you like to participate? The motorcade starts every December 25th around 10am in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. If you would like to volunteer, please join us. If you have not donated yet, please become a donor. If you have any questions, please contact Philippe Candido.
 
Disclaimer 

"The views expressed on this fundraising website are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect views of my employer, LogMeIn, Inc.  The posts and opinions expressed on this website are solely my own.  They do not represent (nor are they intended to represent) the positions, opinions or policies of my employer or any other company or person.  Please note that donations from LogMeIn vendors and suppliers will not be accepted.”

Donations 

  • Vinicius Silva
    • $25 
    • 5 yrs

Organizer

Philippe Cândido
Organizer
Boston, MA

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