21st December 2022

Santa spreads Christmas magic to Curo customers at The Hub, Mulberry Park

Santa stopped at The Hub, Mulberry Park, to spread Christmas magic to more than 370 Curo residents at a festive family fun day on Saturday 17 December.

Santa’s elves had set up a gorgeous grotto, with twinkling lights and a throne, where Santa read a story, Oliver, The Littlest Elf, to the children. He then gave out gifts and there was a chance for families to get a photo with the man himself.

Curo customer Katie Eames, who lives in Foxhill, was at the event with her daughter Ariya, aged four, and son Ethan, aged nine months. “It’s lovely that Curo put on this event,” said Katie. “I kept it a secret from Ariya until this morning. When she found out we were seeing Santa she was so excited, she ran all the way here!”

“My favourite bit was seeing Santa,” said Ariya. “He was funny.”

At The Hub’s entrance, a snow machine greeted guests with a flourish of yuletide cheer, while craft stalls from local makers meant families could grab some last-minute gifts.

Children enjoyed a spot of Christmas crafts, including decorating wreaths and colouring in cards. And there was festive face-painting, plus donkey rides in the snow-covered play area outside.

A Christmas raffle raised £244 for Bath City Farm, Curo’s Charity of the Year.

“The Christmas Magic event was a lovely opportunity to bring joy to our younger residents and their families at the end of what has been a hard year for a lot of people,” said Michelle Sage, Resident Engagement Co-ordinator. “Our team of elves was made up of Curo colleagues volunteering their time. They all loved putting smiles on the children’s faces. The feedback from parents was really positive, with many saying how amazing it is that Curo put on events like this.”

Santa added: “I loved meeting all the boys and girls at The Hub and had a wonderful time bringing joy to residents this festive season.”

The event closed with the spectacular switching-on of Mulberry Park’s Christmas lights – with special guest star Charlie Ewels of the Bath Rugby team.

Guests were invited to watch the display from the Curo Marketing Suite, with Santa’s elves providing festive treats and mulled wine for adults, as well as non-alcoholic drinks for children.

Curo is also making a charitable donation on Charlie’s behalf to the Bath Rugby Foundation, who work to empower vulnerable children and young people in Bath and the surrounding area to succeed.

Jodie Winter, Curo Sales Manager, said: “The Christmas light switch-on was a wonderful finale to such a magical day; it was a special chance for the Mulberry Park neighbourhood to come together and share the holiday goodwill.”