Sirona’s Secret Santa has been delivering goodwill and gifts across Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire, in a bid to give the season of giving a bit of a boost.
At the start of advent, staff working for the not-for-profit social enterprise which provides health and adult social care were asked to request gifts for those in need or equipment for their own teams to help in giving care.
The Sirona Foundation which exists to bring benefits to local communities through charitable giving made the cash available.
Trustee Julie Sharma said: “What better a time to give than at Christmas? Staff at Sirona were asked to bid for gifts costing up to £500 and we were humbled by the requests which were made.
“We asked staff to think about giving a gift which made a difference; it could be someone in the community who they felt would benefit or a simple piece of equipment which would help them improve their work in the community.
“Requests included warm clothing for children who were shivering in the playground and for the homeless who receive food from the soup run in Bath for which our staff are volunteers.
“There have also been requests to buy equipment which would enhance Sirona’s service to the community and presents for children who would otherwise have nothing on Christmas morning.
“With some of the gifts we have been helped by other companies including Bath Veterinary Group who provided treatment for a family dog whose owner had recently been made redundant and didn’t have the money to help the animal. Royal Canin also heard about the family and provided food for their pets.
“By Dominos who helped us with the pizza for the homeless and Dickies Factory Shop in Midsomer Norton who contributed towards hats, gloves and socks.
“We are grateful to all those who helped us make a difference this Christmas and the Foundation will be repeating it next year.”
Among those to benefit from the 12 days of Christmas initiative was The Squirrels, the tenants’ association at Greenacres Extra Care Home in Midsomer Norton.
Gemma Gamester, Extra Care Shift Leader, requested new glasses for the self-funded group.
She said: “The tenants have self-funded social activities and they were desperately in need of new drinking glasses as the ones that were donated from tenants, friends and family have been broken over the years and they need replacing so the tenants can raise a toast over the festive period.”
Santa delivered 40 tumblers to the group and is pictured with Gemma and Iain Macdonald and Derrick Gill from the association.
The Sirona Foundation receives its money from donations and legacies.
