On Wednesday 10th December, the K2 Brazil team, accompanied by K2 CEO, Nick Plummer, and Americas Managing Director, Phil Hunt, travelled to the K2 Foundation-funded school in the São Paulo district of Parelheiros for a very special pre-Christmas celebration.
The day was planned with one simple aim: to make sure every child at the school felt the joy, warmth, and magic of Christmas. For many of the children, this celebration meant experiencing a level of festive cheer that might otherwise have passed them by.
Thanks to the generosity of the K2 Brazil team and two of our valued partners, One Moving and Metropolitan, gifts were provided for all 173 children enrolled in the school, ensuring that no one was left out. From babies to teenagers, each child was able to spend time with Santa, receive a present and share a moment of joy. In addition to a toy or alternative age-appropriate gift, everyone received a mini panettone and a little bag of sweets.
K2 Relocation Manager, Diogo Pinto, comments:
“Returning to the school for the Christmas celebration I was moved to tears, knowing the presents were possibly the first and only ones many of those kids would ever receive.”
Supply Chain Administrator, Mayara Mandaglio, adds:
“Visiting the school and watching every single child receive a Christmas present from Santa was truly heart-warming. I’m proud to be part of a company that genuinely cares about the community and brings joy to so many little faces.”
Alongside the gifts, a festive feast was laid on, adding to the sense of occasion and presenting an opportunity for everyone to come together to share delicious food.
During the visit, Brazil Country Director, Patricia Tavares, was honoured by students, volunteers, and school founders Tia Mônica and Tia Selma. Patricia, who was instrumental in the realisation of the school project, which was supported by Associação Semeando Amor com Tia Mônica, will be retiring from K2 at the end of December. As well as driving the construction of the new building forward, Patricia has continued to be a pillar of support for Mônica and Selma since the school opened in January of this year.
Reflecting on her final visit to the school in a K2 capacity, Patricia says:
“Seeing the joy on each child’s face as they received their gifts from Santa Claus…there really are no words to describe my feelings. It has been a privilege to be involved in the school project through K2 and the K2 Foundation, and this was the perfect way to close the chapter.”
Through funding projects like the São Paulo school, the K2 Foundation is committed to spreading hope, kindness, and joy to children around the globe – not just at Christmas, but all throughout the year.
If you’d like to donate to the K2 Foundation’s festive giving campaign, head over to their JustGiving page now and add a virtual bauble to our Tree of Hope.
