The Heart Project brings Christmas magic to hospitals

A charity organization has brought Santa to hospitals around the world, spreading Christmas cheer to sick children to make sure that no one misses out on the festive season.

The Heart Project was initiated by Australian photographer Karen Alsop and a group of volunteer photographers from around the world. This year, Alsop and her team have been visiting hospitals in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada offering free photoshoot sessions to families with children. The photographers set up green screens in the hospitals and invite children and families to pose for portraits. They then turn those photos into Christmas scenes with Santa Claus or his famous reindeers.

"Our mission has always been to put a smile on the face of families who are doing it tough at Christmas by making them escape reality – even for a day – thanks to the power of photography and Photoshop," said Alsop.