With just under two weeks until the big day, Santa Claus made an early flight to Victoria General Hospital on Tuesday (Dec. 12) to bring some smiles to kids, parents and front-line workers.
As the man in red choppered into the Victoria General helipad around 8:30 a.m., it marked the first of six hospital stops Santa and his elf were making across B.C.
“We’ve got a long day ahead of us and it’s just a wonderful gift for me as Santa Claus to be able to come and provide a little bit of warmth, a little bit of cheer to these wonderful, wonderful kids,” he said.
Making his way through the pediatric units, Santa greeted hospital staff and stopped in rooms to hive-five, hug and give teddy bears to children receiving care. After visiting some as young as three months old and only being able to wave from the doorway of kids in isolation, he said it was an emotional experience to see the kids light up with smiles.
“It brings a huge warmth to my heart, it’s just exceptional to watch these kids cheer up for a moment,” Santa said.
Two-year-old George McGregor was happy to meet Santa, but he also smiled and waved to the Grinch as the Christmas antihero was sleuthing around the hospital halls.
George’s mom Jacquie said the visit from Saint Nick was the most exciting part of their 21-day hospital stay after her son had a series of complications since a feeding tube procedure. However, with George starting to improve they’re hoping to be back home by Christmas.
“It brings a lot of joy for the families and it’s tough being here so it’s nice when there’s a happy part of the day,” Jacquie said. “It’s so great to see him smile and be happy.”
As a paramedic with BCEHS’ Infant Transport Team, Brian Thornburn flies babies and young children with acute or traumatic emergency health needs to the hospital.
“Normally I see these children when they’re in distress and when they’re unwell, and today to see them smiling, to see their eyes light up with Santa, it’s a privilege as I don’t normally see that,” he said of his first time joining the annual Santa visit. “The thing I like best about my job is that I get to see children get better.”
Tuesday also marked the 19th year of Santa being escorted by BC Emergency Health Service’s Helijet air ambulance to visit the sick kids.
“All of us at Helijet are happy to have this opportunity to help make the holiday season special for these courageous kids and their families who find themselves in hospital instead of at home as Christmas approaches,” Heliject CEO Danny Sitnam said in a statement.
As for George, his mom said he’s been a good boy this year so he’s in store for a few new toys this Christmas.
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