David Coates

Said the following about SNGX Santa Train:

“Every year the SNGX Santa Train team delivers a memorable experience for over 500 children of colleagues who work for Southern and Gatwick Express.

In December 2020, Covid-19 meant the usual live event format wasn’t possible, but the team was determined to make sure that the children still got to see Santa Claus and have a magical experience. Covid wasn’t going to spoil Christmas!

So with a lot of planning and with a little help from some ‘elves’, they set about creating an interactive virtual experience that would bring a smile to the children of the network.

In top secret, they created a video in which the children watching could play a part to help Santa get home. As well as following the story unfold on screen, the children took part in interactive sessions with activity packs sent to their home address. After completing the activities, they also received a present from Santa – delivered with a little pinch of magic pixie dust.

The team spent many hours to make this a reality: from scripting the story; recruiting Santa and the elves; decorating the train; filming; to packing and sending packs and presents to homes. What is remarkable is that everyone working on the project was a volunteer, doing this beyond the day job to make a difference to colleagues and the children of colleagues.

In the first weekend of December 2020 the children of SNGX settled down and watched and joined in with the virtual Santa Train. It was enjoyed by over 500 children, all while raising money for our partner charities Noah, Chestnut Tree House, Mind and Mizen Foundation.

It was a fantastic and memorable way for colleagues - and the special children in their lives - to forget the difficult year and enjoy some Christmas magic.

you can find a link to the video here: https://youtu.be/3VT7488hNtc“