Sympatico.ca has teamed with UgroupMedia and UNICEF Canada to launch the Portable North Pole (PNP) across Canada. This free and secure application lets Canadians create a personalized video message from Santa Claus—one their kids, family members and friends can watch online and share with others.

Unlike traditional letters from Santa, PNP users simply go online,
answer a few brief questions and, in less than five minutes, a
personalized video greeting is created. Video messages can include the
recipient’s name, age, photograph, preferred gift, as well as the
answer to one of a number of Santa’s best-kept secrets to help create a
more convincing experience. Once the message has been created, it can
be viewed immediately and then sent via email. With the click of a
mouse, the video can also be easily shared with Facebook friends or
Twitter followers.

New for 2009 are adapted scenarios tailored
specifically to kids under two and those who are between three and 11
years old. Kids will now also get to see a map that will track Santa
and his reindeer as they travel from the North Pole to their homes. A
fun version is also available for adults. Kids waiting in anticipation
for their Christmas gifts will respond with surprise and delight, while
adults get to re-live their childhood memories and truly embrace the
spirit of the holiday.

According to Martin Cere, senior
director-content at Sympatico.ca, more than 1.5 million videos were
produced last year using Portable North Pole, generating over 5.7
million views. “The Portable North Pole was a phenomenal hit last year,
and this year promises to be even bigger and better as we bring back
this unique Christmas experience to both kids and adults across the
country.”

“This year, we’ve really pushed the envelope by adding
more ways to customize the content and ensure these high-quality video
productions make the experience even more realistic,” said Alexandre
Berard, CEO of UgroupMedia, creators of the concept and the Portable
North Pole personalized video platform. “We encourage all Canadians to
take a few minutes to experience the digital magic of Christmas.”

Sympatico.ca
and UgroupMedia have also partnered with UNICEF Canada. Portable North
Pole users can now opt to make a donation to this worthy cause after
creating their video message.

“The Portable North Pole is a fun
and innovative way to get ready for the holiday season, and we are
excited to be a part of it this year,” says Leanne Nicolle, director of
corporate development for UNICEF Canada. “Canadians who donate to
UNICEF through the Portable North Pole will be supporting our work for
vulnerable children around the world.”

The Portable North Pole is AVAILABLE NOW—throughout the Christmas season and beyond.

CLICK HERE for Portable North Pole.