Sam Thompson spreads Christmas cheer
Sam Thompson enjoys being able to make the festive season "a little bit better" for others.
Sam Thompson had a "really special" time volunteering over Christmas last year.
The 32-year-old reality star enjoys being able to make the festive season "a little bit better" for others, and ahead of this year's celebrations, he dressed as Santa to team up with Coca-Cola in order to thanks the Christmas Makers of the UK.
The brand launched the campaign after research found 81% of Brits agree one person in every family or friendship group makes Christmas magical, but just 39% name themselves as the festive organiser.
Sam launched a 'Free Thank Yous' station in Spitalfields, London, earlier this week, where he invited passers-by to nominate the people in their lives who make Christmas happen.
Dressed as Santa, Sam then rang, video called and video messaged those nominated, delivering personalised thank yous on behalf of their loved ones.
He said: "Last year I spent Christmas Day volunteering, and it was really special. There are so many ‘makers’ of Christmas – from all walks of life, creating magic for families across the UK during the festive season.
"I am so excited to help make Christmas that little bit better for the hero makers with Coca-Cola … and of course I love dressing up as Santa, so I’m buzzing about that too.”
And Sam himself received his own festive surprise when his best friend Pete Wicks showed up to be an extra helper - and requesting his pal say thank you to him for putting up with him all year.
Those who missed seeing the former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner can still get the chance to shout out their Christmas Makers by visiting his Instagram post at https://www.instagram.com/p/DRfcA-ACKCf/?hl=en-gb, and sharing details of their nominees, with the chosen few selected to receive a direct message in the lead up to Christmas.
Coca-Cola's survey found Christmas Makers start their preparations seven weeks ahead of 25 December, spending an average of 20 hours buying presents, 15 hours cooking and food shopping, 14 hours decorating and 11 hours writing cards.
Unsurprisingly, 75% said they feel stressed about the things they need to do over the festive period, and it seems their efforts can go unrecognised as 19% admit they don't always thank or show appreciation. 35% assume their loved ones already know how valued they are, one in five (21%) don't think their Maker expects a fuss, 17% find it hard to find the right words an d 16% just get caught up in the festive rush.
As a result, 68% of Makers say they feel unappreciated, and 49% joked they plan to go on strike.
Charlotte Butt, Senior Marketing Manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland said: “At Coca-Cola, we believe in spreading joy and recognising those who make special moments happen. We want to inspire the nation to give those unsung heroes the heartfelt thank you they truly deserve.
"Every maker nominated for a shout-out, will support Coca-Cola’s donation to FareShare this Christmas. By extending this spirit of giving, we ensure that while we celebrate the Makers, we're also supporting communities across the UK.”
As well as every Maker nominated for a shout-out supporting the brand's donation to FareShare, they will also make a separation donation, equivalent to a million meals, to support the food distribution charity.
