If Santa Claus is unlikely to slide down your chimney this year, his elves would like to know about it.
Santa's head elf, also known as Skyfitness Gym instructor Shane Waldron, has called for people to nominate struggling Dunedin families so he can deliver Christmas gifts to children who are unlikely to get a present this year.
The 36-year-old dressed up as Santa Claus last year and delivered presents to about 20 Dunedin families who were less fortunate than others, and said it was so successful, he would do the same again this year.
"It was overwhelming just seeing the excitement on their faces when they had Santa turn up on their doorstep and give them presents.
"A lot of people didn't know that we were coming, but they were grateful and it was very special.
"There's a lot of people struggling out there. We even visited a boy staying with his dad in a caravan, and the sad thing is, there's a lot of those kids out there.
"There was another family where the mother had just passed away from cancer and the boys were living with their dad at their nana's house. They were all sharing the one bedroom.
"They're nice families - really humble people just having some tough times.''
Mr Waldron said he had demoted himself to an elf this year, and former All Black Paul Miller would dress as Santa Claus.
They hoped to visit as many homes as possible.
"I don't mind if I have to get up at midnight on Christmas Day and make the deliveries. The more the merrier.''
Mr Waldron said he had bought many of the presents with his own money, but he had also had a great response from the public, who had donated the majority of the presents through his Facebook page.
He said his act of kindness was motivated by the fact he was "one of those kids who didn't have a lot growing up''.
"I wasn't doing much for Christmas last year, so I thought I would make myself useful and just get out and about and do it.''
Contact shane@powertechtraining.co.nz.
