Mandurah Forum is helping make this Christmas magical for local children with extra needs by providing one on one visits with a Sensitive Santa.
Meeting the man from the North Pole is a yearly tradition for many families, but for children with extra and sensory needs the experience can be too overwhelming to enjoy with crowds, music, lights and camera flashes.
Offering families a private 15 minute visit with Sensitive Santa before centre opening, Mandurah Forum hopes all local children can experience the magic of meeting Santa, in a quiet and sensory-friendly environment, tailored to their individual needs.
All families will receive a complimentary photo and to support the initiative BIG W Mandurah will print the photo free of charge in store and provide the kids with a Christmas present and balloon.
Centre Manager, Jacqueline McKenzie said she hoped Sensitive Santa would give children with extra needs and their families a special and memorable Christmas experience.
Local mum Sarah Rodriguez is excited to take her six-year-old son Brayden to meet Santa in an environment tailored to his needs.
“For many autistic people and their families a simple trip to the shops, which should be an enjoyable experience, can be fraught with difficulty. Booking a slot with the Sensitive Santa takes the pressure of our whole family, and means we can enjoy the experience together,” Ms Rodriguez said.
Mandurah Forum’s Sensitive Santa will fly in with his reindeer for three weeks and parents can book their child’s place by calling the Centre Management team on 08 9535 5522.
