SURREY — Jolly Old St. Nick continued his annual tradition of bringing presents and holiday cheer to children in the hospital this Christmas.
He arrived at Surrey Memorial Hospital by helicopter on Thursday, Dec. 17 to surprise the kids inside.
The visit was surely welcomed by the young patients, many of whom won't make it home for the holidays this year.
It's all part of Santa's annual pre-Christmas air ambulance toy run, while he lets his reindeer rest up for the big day.
He also visited the children's wrads at BC Children's and Royal Columbian hospitals, as well as at Victoria General Hospital and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
"We're thrilled to once again assist Santa on his air ambulance toy run to visit children in hospitals this holiday season," said Helijet president and CEO Danny Sitnam. "Throughout the year our dedicated Helijet staff works closely with BCEHS (BC Emergency Health Services) paramedics to provide 24/7 helicopter service for hundreds of critically ill patients across B.C. Many of our patients are children, so all of us at Helijet are happy to help make this Christmas seasons special for these courageous kids and their families.
BCEHS Infant Transport Team paramedic Graem Luis said, "seeing the excitement on these children's faces when they meet Santa is something I carry with me throughout the year.