People dressed up as Santa Claus in Europe and South America have participated in charity events to raise funds for sick or poor children.

In a Paris suburb in France, nearly 4,000 people wearing Santa Claus costumes took part in a charity run on Sunday.

A total of 11,000 euros, or about 12,000 dollars, collected from the runners will be donated to groups supporting children with cancer.

In the Greek capital Athens, a group of Santas each donated 13 dollars to take part in a 2.5-kilometer run. The money will be donated to a charity for children of needy families.

Meanwhile, a Brazilian surfer showed off his skills at a beach in the state of Sao Paulo. 

Through his performance, he asks companies every year for donations which he uses to buy Christmas gifts for children in poor communities.

NHK