Join the Moto-Santa-Claus event!
On 8 December, hundreds of Santa Clauses will once again gather at the entrance to EXPO Krakow at 9 Galicyjska Street, swapping their sleighs for motorcycles. With bags full of gifts, they will set off for the University Children's Hospital. For several years now, Moto-Santa-Clauses have been supported by Targi w Krakowie (Fairs in Krakow), who organise fundraising to buy gifts for the small patients.
Let’s go back to the beginning
The Moto-Santa-Claus event (MotoMikolaj) dates back 19 years, when a group of motorcyclist friends decided that despite the season being over, they still needed to take their machines for a spin, and at the same time do something special before Christmas. After decorating their motorcycles, and dressed as Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa, they set off on a tour of Krakow's streets. They couldn't miss the Main Square, where, as Santa Claus does, they handed out sweets to passers-by.
This innocent, pre-Christmas get-together quickly turned into a full-fledged event and an annual tradition, loved by motorcyclists and the residents of Krakow.
Five years ago, with the help of Prof. Mikołaj Spodaryk, head of the Nutritional Treatment Unit, the Moto-Santa-Clauses began working with the University Children's Hospital in Krakow. Since then, every year they visit young patients to bring a sincere smile to their faces, even if just for a moment. They bring gifts, slide down ropes by the windows, arrive in fire engines, and even sometimes sneak into some of the wards!
You too can help!
Anyone and everyone can join this wonderful event.
‘Last year, we collected more than 500 board games, Lego, puzzles and creative toys, which were given to the small patients. The event also drew in our exhibitors, business partners and residents of Krakow, who actively joined in by bringing gifts. When the Moto-Santa-Clauses set off with gifts from EXPO Krakow, they ride through the streets of Krakow, admired by the local residents. A show is organised in front of the hospital – passing presents from hand to hand, and colourful smoke surrounding the building. It is an unforgettable moment that moves and delights the children, parents and hospital employees alike, who are watching from the hospital windows. The children also look forward to seeing so many Santa Clauses, and for some of them, it is not the first time they take part in this event,’ explains Małgorzata Borowiec, Member of the Board of Targi w Krakowie.
You can bring presents to EXPO Krakow at 9 Galicyjska Street (Czyżyny district) from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, which will then be wrapped by EXPO Krakow staff and handed out to the young patients by the Santa Clauses. In addition, on 8 December, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., the Management Board of Targi w Krakowie invites the public to EXPO Krakow for a chance to greet the Santas, take a group photo, and watch the Santas prepare for the grand motorcycle parade.
As the MotoMikołaje Krakow Association informs, this year you can bring board games, logic games and puzzles for children and teenagers up to the age of 18 to the collection points listed on Facebook. For safety reasons, the presents have to be in their original packaging. They will be donated to the University Children's Hospital in Prokocim and the Clinical Hospital in Kobierzyn (Children and Youth Ward). The gifts will be collected until 3 December. You can also take part in auctions on Facebook, the proceeds of which will be used to purchase necessary medical equipment, or you can support the campaign by donating online at zrzutka.pl.