Santa Claus spreads Christmas cheer in Wuxi

Santa Claus and his helpers take a group photo in front of the Wuxi Children's Home on Dec 23. [Photo by Fang Luofan/ Chinadaily.com.cn]

Handing out gifts to children at the Wuxi Children's Home on Dec 23, Don Kenny, an American expat, has helped to spread the spirit of Christmas.

Receiving Christmas pins, hats and gifts, the children enjoyed playing games with Santa Claus and celebrating the western holiday on Saturday afternoon.

"At the beginning, I just had the simple idea to give some children Teddy Bears at Christmas. However, with more and more people volunteering to join us, we were able to put smiles on the faces of more than 600 children," said Don, the Santa Claus who led more than 50 volunteers at the Wuxi Children's Home and the Wuxi Children's Hospital over the weekend.

Don is the CEO of Great Lakes Global Consulting Co. Ltd, a small trading company that has two employees. The WeChat Group "Christmas Gifts for Orphanage" created by Don, has 157 members who helped to raise 15,213 yuan ($2,314) within a single week. All the donations went to buying 600 Teddy Bears, and hundreds of other toys and gifts.

A child enjoys playing with Santa Claus on Dec 23. [Photo by Fang Luofan/ Chinadaily.com.cn]

Marianna Bewersdorff, who joined the drive in the WeChat Group, was amazed by the community activity and said "This is the fantastic spirit of Christmas! I am so happy to hear so many children could experience the joy of Christmas!"

"I want the kids here to feel loved and that there are people who care for them. Coming and spending your time with the kids, having fun together means a lot, we really enjoyed it," said Kimberly Harmon, an American teacher from Wuxi Taihu International School (TIS).

According to Kimberly, the principal of TIS is very supportive of charity programs. On Saturdays, the school sends five or six teachers to teach kids at the Wuxi Children's Home.