Little Troopers brings Christmas Smiles to military children

THE charity Little Troopers has announced details about its 2022 Christmas Smiles campaign to support military children who have a parent deployed over the holidays.

The charity has organised a long list of free festive activities for families, including cinema screenings of Arthur Christmas, elf workshops, a Secret Santa show and an online Christmas baking session. The charity has also once again partnered with the Build-a-Bear Foundation to distribute 2,200 free teddy bears to military families.

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers commented:

“We know it’s especially hard to have a parent deployed at this time of year and that’s why our Christmas Smiles has always been such a special initiative at Little Troopers. Once again, we have organised as many things as we can to bring a smile to the faces of military children this Christmas and I hope families will book on to the events and get involved. We can’t wait to see your photos.”

2,200 free Build-A-Bear teddies

Little Troopers is delighted to be partnering with the Build-A-Bear Foundation for a third year to distribute 2,200 free teddy bears to military children who have a loved one deployed overseas this Christmas. The charity has already arranged to deliver bears to military units across the UK where Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force service personnel are either already deployed or deploying imminently.

Little Troopers will also be individually posting out 200 individual bears to British Armed Forces child who has a parent deployed at Christmas.

4^th December: Free cinema screening of Arthur Christmas 

On Sunday 4^th December, Little Troopers has organised free cinema screenings of Christmas favourite, Arthur Christmas, for forces families at the following ODEON locations: Andover, Leeds, Hereford, Chatham and Lincoln.

11^th December: Free Elf Workshops

This special online elf workshop will be run for small groups of military children under the age of ten who can book a timeslot to come and meet ‘Elvin’ the spritely elf who is eager to spread some festive cheer by singing, dancing and playing games.

17^th December: Christmas Bake

Forces families can celebrate the start of the school holidays by joining Little Troopers for an online Christmas baking event. They will be sent a list of yummy ingredients in advance and everyone is encouraged to bake-a-long together.

Throughout December: Secret Santa Show

Aimed at 2-5 year-olds, this is a magical Christmas show experience where your little ones will be taken on a Christmas adventure in Nursery Rhyme Land to find Santa, but who will they meet along the way this year? The show is 30 minutes long and packed with nursery rhymes, action songs and Christmas favourites. Sign-up for the Little Troopers newsletter to receive the details.

For more information, please visit: www.littletroopers.net.