The second Christmas day is almost over, but the tales of goodness continue.
Today we present you Georgi Simeonov, who became known as Santa Claus from Bulgaria. Georgi was born in Gorna Oryahovitsa. For the last eight years, he has been dressing up as Santa Claus for the holidays, when he visited people in Veliko Tarnovo, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Dolna Oryahovitsa, and Lyaskovets. Both companies and families have chosen him to distribute gifts. The cost of his visit is merely symbolic- 5 BGN. All the money Georgi gathered is donated to a different cause each year.
In 2021, the funds are for Karitas- a nursing home at Plovdiv.

Georgi shares that he chose to dress up as Santa Claus because he wanted to bring joy to the kids and hope to people in a difficult situation. His own fate is also not an easy one- he has cerebral palsy. But he never let it stop him from achieving his goals. He is working as a sausage maker, and in his free time, he disguises himself as a squirrel – the mascot of Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa. In 2013 he decided to take on the role of Santa Claus. Two years later, he is awarded as “Worthy Bulgarian”. After the recognition, Georgi continues to dress up as Santa Claus to support various causes. He bought his own suit and paid for the transport to the designated place where he had been invited. “I am always welcomed. Often people are moved by the cause and want to donate more “, Georgi explains with a smile.

In 2018 his visits were darkened. His documents and money got stolen while he was giving the gift to a child. The unpleasant incident could not stop him. In 2019 he was chosen to be a mascot of the Historical park in Neofit Rilski village near Varna. Last year he even broke his record and managed to raise 1700 BGN. “In 2021 I will set a new personal record. More and more people are requesting my services. So far I have raised 2343 BGN. I am grateful that people trust me. I am grateful that I can help”, said Georgi.