Santa and his helpers made a quick tour through Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 10, part of a multi-hospital trip visiting sick kids this holiday season. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

fly-in

VIDEO: ‘It’s so special to see these kids:’ Santa makes pre-Christmas stop at Nanaimo hospital

Dec 10, 2024 | 11:21 AM

NANAIMO — Days before his round-the-world journey, Santa traded in his nine reindeer and sleigh for a comfy helicopter to tour B.C. hospitals.

Jolly Old Saint Nicholas touched down in Nanaimo on Tuesday, Dec. 10, part of a multi-hospital tour, to visit patients in various departments, along with sick kids in the pediatric ward.

Prior to the visit, Santa told reporters outside Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, it’s one of the highlights of his year.

“We have come to spread a little bit of joy and bring some gifts to a whole bunch of kids who are in the hospital, and hopefully before Christmas they’ll be home. But if not, we’re here to spread some joy so they can have a little bit of Christmas spirit.”

Santa’s traditional touchdown at NRGH was delayed and re-routed due to another air ambulance taking space on the helipad after transporting a patient. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Handing out small teddy bears as gifts to kids, along with some staff members at the hospital, Santa made a quick tour through NRGH, including the front lobby.

Most of his time at the hospital was spent in pediatrics, visiting personally with roughly half a dozen patients admitted to the unit leading up to Christmas.

“There is nothing more emotional than walking into the room of a sick child, seeing their face pink up, their eyes sparkle and a little bit of a smile, just for that moment while we’re here,” Santa said. “It’s an honour and a privilege…it’s so special to see these kids.”

The tour was presented by HeliJet, who offered Santa safe passage as well as a landing zone in downtown Nanaimo.

Santa made several one on one visits, chatting with kids and their families. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

His helicopter was unable to land directly at NRGH due to another air ambulance occupying the helipad while transporting a patient.

Accompanied by staff from B.C. Emergency Health Services infant transport team, Helijet and some other helpers, Santa’s visit has become a holiday tradition for many.

Before visiting Nanaimo, Santa made a stop at Victoria General Hospital.

He was planning to visit hospitals in Vancouver, Abbotsford, Surrey and New Westminster throughout the rest of Tuesday.

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