This year Santa has decided to abandon the shopping mall and do an outdoor photo series, and it's all for a good cause.

The big guy in red has teamed up with Kaysi Photography to take photos with kids, with the proceeds going to Tauranga Foodbank.

Kaysi Fredericks says this year they're focusing on providing non-food items people need.

'We're buying baby needs such as nappies and wipes for the foodbank, because that's something they run really low on.”

Santa holding a baby, one of his many Christmastime duties. Photos: Kaysi Photography.

Her husband Sam Fredericks has taken on the role of Santa (the real guy is busy making toys in the North Pole). Families can book in for photos, which are taken in a range of outdoor locations.

'We've done it in Waihi, Hamilton, Katikati, Leisure Island, Yatton Park, McLaren Falls, all outdoors. It's great for kids with disabilities such as ADHD or Autism, as they tend to be more relaxed. It's also more Kiwiana, I think,” says Kaysi.

She says they've nearly finished their fifth banana box, and will be delivering all of the supplies they've raised next week, just in time for Christmas. It's just one of the charity fundraisers they've been involved in.

'Last year we did food, and earlier this year in winter we did Socks for Poverty, where people jumped in puddles and paid with brand new socks, which were donated to the homeless. We raised a 1000 pairs of socks doing it.”

For Kaysi, it's important they do their bit for a good cause.

'We do a lot for the community, we try to give back.”

Anyone interested in getting photos with Santa should get in touch via the Kaysi Photography Facebook page. Photos can be taken up until Tuesday December 20.