A True Christmas Project 2021
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Note: Turn on Closed Captioning (CC) for English translation of the TV coverage video of our 2019 event!
A True Christmas Project returns in 2021 after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19 Pandemic!
A True Christmas Project returns in 2021 after a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19 Pandemic!
With high vaccination rates and things slowly getting back to normal Brazil, we are happy to report that Santa is back and will be delivering toys to the children in Belo Horizonte! While the event will operate at limited capacity (fewer stops), we hope that this will bring back the joy to all the children and their families.
It has been an incredibility difficult time for everyone. The reality is that even more children did not enjoy Christmas last year. Please join me in kicking off the 9th 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 2019, we upgraded the quality of the gifts. The average toy price was BRL17,18 (USD $4.22). In 2018, the average toy price was BRL15,71 (USD $4.02)! Just a few years ago, we used to buy toys that ranged from BRL1 to BRL2. In 2019, we purchased a total of 1,313 presents which included dolls, soccer balls and toy cars/trucks/action figures.
Below are the results from the past years. We have raised $33,734 with the help of 920+ people since we started the online fundraiser in 2012.
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
2018: $5,448 raised by 116 people
2019: $5,510 raised by 108 people
2020: Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
In 2021, our goal is to raise a minimum of $3,000 in donations from at least 50 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. Thank you so much for your continued support.
Facebook/Instagram Pages:
Special Note:
All funds raised here will be used to buy gifts directly from the wholesale supplier in Brazil, by me, on December 20, 2021. Receipts will be uploaded to Google Drive and link will be shared. 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
Videos
A True Christmas Project 2019: TV Coverage (enable CC for translation to English) / Instagram Videos
A True Christmas Project 2018: Recap video and interviews
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.”
Co-organizers (2)
Philippe Cândido
Organizer
Bedford, NH
Tabatha Santos
Co-organizer