Santa's quiet Christmas draws support

Bunbury Forum staff did not foresee the massive social media response they would get when they announced their new Sensitive Santa program in the lead up to Christmas.

Since details of the program were posted on the centre’s Facebook page on Tuesday, it has been shared more than 650 times, has more than 500 likes and more than 100 comments.

The program is designed specifically for families with special needs, where children with illness or sensory challenges can meet Father Christmas in a quiet, private area for a 10 minute session.

Centre marketing manager Meike Daeffner was excited to have the program in the South West and said the mammoth response on Facebook was incredible.

“We certainly did not foresee this response on social media, in fact I had to blink a few times to make sure I wasn’t seeing double,” she said.

“At the end of the day, it is also about raising awareness for special needs children and their families, which I believe we have really achieved.”

Ms Daeffner said she had already received bookings and a number of phone calls from people thanking the centre for bringing the initiative to Bunbury.

The free of charge sessions will be held on November 29 and December 6 and 13 from 9am until 1pm, but bookings will need to be made in advance.

See more in next week’s Bunbury Herald.