Hey, Friends.
It’s that magical time of year again, and I’m thrilled to announce that A True Christmas Project 2024 is officially underway! You are the heart and soul of this project, and I'm grateful for your unwavering support over the years. Thanks to your incredible generosity and participation, we purchased 1,082 high-quality gifts in 2023, making it one of our top three years ever! This year, we want to do it all over again. With your continued support, we can help Santa make this holiday season unforgettable for those who need it most.
Christmas is such a special time, especially for families in need. For many in Brazil’s impoverished communities, it’s a rare opportunity to set aside their struggles and simply enjoy the happiness and excitement of the season. The children look forward to Santa’s visit all year long, and the smiles on their faces when they receive their gifts makes it all worth it. I hope last year’s recap video (just under 5 minutes, in case you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet) gave you a glimpse of the magic and joy this project brings every time.
While our project has grown over the years, with local volunteers now donating food baskets and clothing to support families, this fundraiser is 100% focused on raising money to buy gifts for kids. I personally purchase these gifts in the U.S. and ensure they’re delivered just days before the event. Every single penny you donate goes directly toward purchasing high-quality gifts, and as always, I will keep you updated every step of the way.
This year, we’re targeting a $3,500 goal to keep this tradition alive. Our amazing team of volunteers — including my family in Brazil, local Boy Scouts, police, and many wonderful friends — is ready to help Santa bring smiles and joy to families in need on Christmas Day in my hometown of Belo Horizonte.
Thank you very much in advance.
Philippe Cândido
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A True Christmas Project: Celebrating Over a Decade of Giving
Since launching our online fundraiser in 2012, we’ve achieved incredible results. With the support of 1,183 generous online donors, we’ve raised an impressive $46,622 to bring joy and magic to countless children over the years.
2012: $1,475 raised by 45 people
2013: $2,876 raised by 118 people
2014: $3,715raised 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 the COVID-19 pandemic
2021: $3,725 raised by 63 people
2022: $4,419 raised by 84 people
2023: $4,744 raised by 116 people
Special Note:
As always, 100% of the funds raised will go directly toward purchasing gifts from a wholesale supplier in Brazil. I will personally handle the purchases on December 20, 2024, ensuring every dollar is spent on gifts. For full transparency, receipts will be uploaded to Google Drive, and the links will be shared with everyone who contributes. While we hope to obtain 501(c)(3) status from the IRS in the future, thanks to the project’s outstanding growth, please note that this fundraiser is currently not tax-deductible. My goal is to keep this a simple, personal initiative, making it easier for my friends and family to support this meaningful project organized by my loved ones and me. Thank you for trusting us to bring joy to so many children!
Photos
2020: Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
Videos
A True Christmas Project 2023: Recap Video
A True Christmas Project 2022: Recap Video
A True Christmas Project 2021: Recap Video
A True Christmas Project 2020: Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
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 is dedicated to bringing joy to children in Brazil’s shanty towns on Christmas Day. Our mission is simple: to reach as many children as possible by giving them meaningful gifts that bring smiles to their faces and hope to their hearts. Even when a gift isn’t possible, Santa Claus is there to share laughter and remind children that brighter days are ahead.
This tradition began nearly 30 years ago when my uncle, Heleno Dória, dreamed of giving children the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. In the early days, Santa walked through the shanty towns handing out candy and popcorn, while stopping to take photos with the kids. By 1997, Santa upgraded to a motorcycle to distribute candy and small gifts. Today, this tradition has grown into a vibrant motorcade featuring more than 30 vehicles, accompanied by a dedicated team of volunteers distributing gifts, clothing, and food to children in need.
How You Can Participate:
The motorcade kicks off every December 25th at 10 AM in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. We welcome anyone who would like to volunteer. Come join us in spreading the magic of Christmas! If you haven’t donated yet, consider becoming a donor to help us reach even more children. For questions or more information, please contact Philippe Cândido.
Thank you for helping make Christmas magical for so many children!
Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this fundraising website are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer. The posts and opinions shared here are solely my own and do not represent (nor are they intended to represent) the positions, opinions, or policies of my employer or any other organization or individual. Additionally, donations from my employer’s vendors or suppliers will not be accepted.