Santa Clause flew into Grande Prairie Regional Hospital with STARS Air Ambulance to deliver toys and take photos with some of the hospital’s “youngest and bravest” patients.
On Monday, December 18th Santa and with a team of STARS emergency responders touched down at the hospital at 10 a.m. with the bag of Christmas gifts they had to hand out. STARS Donor Relations Officer Bethany Rose says giving Santa a lift with their signature red helicopter is an important part of the season for the patients, their parents, and STARS alike.
“STARS is very happy for the opportunity to host Santa in the helicopter so he can leave his sleigh behind for one day,” she says. “It’s just a beautiful thing to be able to do, we work all year with our crew to save patients every day, providing critical care anywhere. But this one exception every year [where] we get to have a joyous flight over to the hospital to bring nothing but joy to the patients here.”
As Santa made his rounds passing out stuffed animals to kids of all ages, there were smiling faces and laughter that filled the room mixed with cries of “thank you Santa” that rang out as Santa traveled through the hospital from the emergency department to the pediatric unit.
Naomi Smith, a mom who’s daughter received a gift from Santa says the visit was validating as sickness and injuries during the holidays can be quite straining on families.
“It’s very exciting for her and for me, it’s so nice to see him [Santa] spreading cheer and bringing joy to all the kids and people in the hospital,” she says. “Seeing that they’re still here spreading the cheer and getting everyone excited even during hard times when they’re sick.”
The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation put on the Santa visit and say they plan continue the tradition next year.
