Santa visits sick kids at the Victoria General Hospital on Dec. 18, 2018.
It’s his busiest week of the year, but Santa took a break from his North Pole duties to visit children at a pair of hospitals on Vancouver Island.
An air ambulance delivered Saint Nick to Victoria General Hospital to deliver presents and spread Christmas cheer to kids inside. The chance to see Santa and enjoy an early Christmas gift provides a welcome distraction for the young patients and their families. Many won’t be able to go home for the holidays this year.
Santa steps out of the helicopter during a visit to the Victoria General Hospital on Dec. 18, 2018.
“We make a special stop here at the hospital, so the kids know Santa hasn’t forgotten them, so the kids know that Santa will be visiting them on Christmas Eve,” Santa said during his holiday rounds.
The parents at the hospital expressed their gratitude during Santa’s visit.
“It’s a nice break from the monotony. It’s a great ward but at the same time, you’re doing the same thing day in and day out. It’s a great treat for sure,” Jason Partridge said while holding his son Maxwell.
Santa meets Chris McDonald and Olivia on Dec. 18, 2018, at the Victoria General Hospital.
Santa also stopped by Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Tuesday before visiting three other facilities on the Lower Mainland. Elves from Helijet and BC Emergency Health Services joined Santa as they have been for the past 14 years.
“It’s fantastic. Words can’t put it into perspective. It’s just overwhelming to see the kids and get a first glimpse of them seeing their favourite guy. It’s pretty cool,” Helijet President and CEO Daniel Sitnam said.
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