Santa’s reindeer and sleigh got some much needed rest today, as Saint Nick got a lift from the North Pole by STARS Air Ambulance.
He was taken to the QEII Hospital, where he visited with patients and handed out gifts to children.
Kris Kringle says he wanted to make the young ones weren’t missed while they’re stuck in hospital.
“This is our stop; we always come to the hospital because sometimes when kids are away from their own home they’re worried that Santa forgets where they live, but we know where all the good girls and boys are at all times.”
Pediatric Unit Manager Dianne Sweetman says the visit is exciting for the children who are stuck in the hospital at Christmas time.
“As the helicopter comes in, he goes down the side of the hospital; the kids can see him coming in the helicopter. For children to be away from their families and sick at Christmas, it’s really hard on everybody, so this really is a wonderful thing that we have Santa come.”
All of the presents Santa Claus brought with him today were donated by the staff at Revolution Auto Group here in Grande Prairie.
It’s the eighth year they’ve done it in a row, and it’s something Marketing Director Raphael Bohlmann says they look forward to every year.
“It’s just kind of cool to have him fly in right to the helipad and then in to the hospital with a bag of toys, and really it’s for the kids. I mean, why would you want to be in a hospital? How happy could that be? So, we just want to make sure that Santa doesn’t forget about them.”
Any extra presents will be left with the hospital.
