Some 40,000 Visitors at the 2022 Santa Claus Factory

Around 40,000 visitors, including tourists, and 2,000 kindergarten and schoolchildren visited the eighteenth Santa Claus Factory, acharity event collecting for needy children, between December 1 and 22, the organizer of the event told the state news agency MTI on Monday.

Endre Zsolnai said that most of the nearly 2,000 helpers were employees of multinational companies and high school students, but there were also foreign volunteers at the Santa Claus factory, which closed on Thursday evening. Many of the children had been brought to the charity event by teachers who felt it was important for children to learn about solidarity and altruism.

This year, the Santa Claus Factory was held in two locations, one on the Pest side in the City Hall Park and the other on the Buda side in Etele Plaza. According to their data, residents on the Buda side brought significantly more clothes to the collection site, while the Pest side received 25% more food.

Almost 85% of the food donations were from individuals, but more than 100 large companies, eleven sports clubs and two theaters also supported the campaign.

“Those in need can still be supported with donations via the Santa Claus Factory website. The money raised will be used until December 31 to buy new toys and sweets for families who need support not only at Christmas," the organizer said.