Caravans, free concerts and solidarity actions reach slums, squares and hospitals

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From the roving activity traveling through 33 favelas to take free photos with Santa Claus to the project celebrating 25 years of serving more than 40,000 children, to open house events in Tijuca and the traditional Casa Ronald campaign in Maracanã, December is off to a busy start. All of these initiatives share the goal of bringing residents closer to Christmas experiences that often do not reach these places with the same force.

Darlene Soares Silva, 36, sums up the impact of these measures:

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— Here in the community there are a lot of people who can’t afford to go to the mall to take a photo with Santa Claus, plus everything is so expensive. So it’s really great that these initiatives are reaching slums for free. Today I came to pick up my son from school and left with a picture of Santa Claus with my two kids that I printed out.

She has benefited from the Natal Encantado project, which until December 23 travels through 33 poor areas offering free trials and a simple but essential gesture for many families: professional photos developed on the spot, at no cost. The 2025 edition grows. After impacting 25 communities the previous year, and printing 12,000 photos, the caravan is now reaching new areas. In the northern region, it has already visited Bairro Carioca, Morro do Orobo and Morro do Juramento, and upcoming visits are planned to Chapadao (Chico Mendes), Manguinhos, Benha, Providencia, Arara, Moqueso and Serena. At each stop, the trailer housing Santa Claus’s house becomes a meeting point for children, youth and adults.

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– When we bring affection, respect and opportunity to the regions, we reaffirm that our children have the right to dream big, and to experience Christmas with the same sparkle as anywhere in the city – says creator Raul Santiago.

Another highlight is the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Natal Azul, on Saturday, at 2:30 p.m., in Tijuca. The program combines games, shows, entertainment, educational theatre, dentists dressed as princesses and superheroes, the presence of a blue Santa Claus, toiletries and themed sweets. Created by dentist couple Viet and Cynthia Viet in Morro do Turano, the project has already reached more than 40,000 children, combining care, education and cultural activities. The “blue” color refers to the visual identity that has been maintained since the first edition – present in the uniforms, decorations and Santa Claus himself.

In 2025, the project gains a new front: Wings of Knowledge, created by the founders’ daughter, 17-year-old Leila Viet, which offers English language education in line with official bodies to children from accredited schools of Natal Azul. This initiative is supported by Diogo, founder of the Brazilian Fluencypass platform. The program also includes a Soria Pra Vida dialogue with former player Diego Ribas, the project’s ambassador.

In Tijuca, the magic arrives by pedaling. This Sunday, at 10 a.m., Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus descend on Praca Afonso Pena in an event held by the Sem Ribalta group, which has been providing free programming to the neighborhood for nine years.

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The Santa Claus in this story has a name: Lemachim Sherim, 69, actor, director, clown and coordinator of the Santa Claus School in Brazil. He runs teams working in 20 shopping malls in the city, but reserves Sundays for the kids in the square.

– At least 50% of the children here do not have the opportunity to pay R$40, or R$50 for a photo in a shopping mall, he says. — At Afonso Pena, photos are free. A person can contribute to the hat, but there is no fee.

The program includes a wreath workshop, live music, storytelling, a magician, a ventilator and a Christmas basket raffle.

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Sherim gets emotional when talking about his relationship with the audience:

– I receive more affection than I give. It’s very important.

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In the Maracanã, Casa Ronald RJ started its traditional Christmas campaign, dedicated to collecting new toys for children and teenagers undergoing cancer treatment. The mobilization continues until Monday and seeks to bring a little joy and hope to the families who were welcomed at the end of the year.

Donations can be dropped off daily at the foundation’s entrance, at Rua Pedro Guedes 44, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

– It is important to remember that we welcome not only young children, but also teenagers, and that this gesture of affection can make a difference at Christmas for all of them – highlights Sidnaira Cardoso, social worker and campaign coordinator.

According to her, the initiative annually mobilizes partners, volunteers and donors to provide a special moment for approximately 80 children and adolescents served by the home. The gifts will be delivered at the Foundation’s Christmas party, next Wednesday, which will also witness the distribution of food bags to families.

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Additional information about the campaign and other ways to contribute can be obtained by calling 98269-1028 or via social media @casaronaldrj.

Solidarity mobilization in the region is also strengthened through the OABRJ – Leopoldina Christmas campaign, implemented in partnership with RioAbrace, a foundation that supports adults and older people undergoing cancer treatment. The initiative has installed two collection points in the northern region – at the OABRJ headquarters, in Olaria, and on Avenida Monseñor Felix, in Iraja – to receive donations of food, clothing, hygiene kits, diapers and other donations. There is also an option for digital contributions through a QR code available on the entity’s website (oableopoldina.org.br). After Christmas, the food collection will continue on a permanent basis.

– The partnership with RioAbrace strengthens the social role of the law and helps build a network of support and dignity in vulnerable areas – highlights OABRJ Leopoldina President, Alexandre Aguilar.