Our Secret Santa advert is on TV

The Action for Children Christmas TV ad will be running again this year, giving people around the country the chance to experience the magic of our Secret Santa Christmas appeal.

The advert features three of our campaign's characters – Nathan, Lucy and Tripti. Narrating the advert is Larry Lamb. He shares their individual stories as they come to life through Christmas cards displayed on a festive mantlepiece.

Nathan, Lucy and Tripti represent the 4.5 million children across the UK living in poverty. It’s easy to think that poverty happens elsewhere, but it’s affecting children in your community. For many, Christmas is just another day of empty cupboards, putting on an extra jumper to keep warm, and wondering why their friend got presents when they didn’t.

As the advert continues, Larry Lamb tells the story of how the Secret Santas magically transform Nathan, Lucy and Tripti’s Christmases. The dark and dreary scenes in the Christmas cards turn bright and magical. Presents under the tree. Food on the table. And a safe and warm place to sleep.

The ad reminds you that these transformations are only made possible through the generous support of people like you.

At Action for Children, we have over 2,500 frontline workers supporting children every day. We’ve seen children without a bed sleeping on the floor with just blankets. Families phoning us crying because they have no money to feed their children. It’s relentless. And it doesn’t stop because it’s Christmas.

By becoming a Secret Santa – and raising money – you could help bring happiness, warmth, and safety to vulnerable children this Christmas and beyond.

You’ll be able to catch our Christmas ad on a wide range of channels, including E4, Film4, various Sky channels and Channel 5. The table below indicates just a sample of where you can see our ad - keep your eyes peeled throughout November!