STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.

VIDEO: ‘Cuteness overload:’ Santa brings smiles to Nanaimo hospital

Dec 18, 2018 | 1:37 PM

NANAIMO — Santa flew into Nanaimo early to visit children unfortunately spending the holidays in the hospital.

The big man himself flew to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on Tuesday at 11 a.m. as part of his province-wide trip to see kids who might need some extra sparkle and shine this Christmas.

The halls of NRGH were filled with his boisterous laugh as he greeted children in their rooms and any who were passing by.

Santa was closely followed by his elf and Kathryn Reid, a paramedic on the infant transport team. She flies all over the province transporting sick children and high-risk maternity cases to BC Children’s Hospital.

It’s a tough job but Reid said it’s heartwarming to see how the children light up when Santa pays them a visit.

“We see them in their darkest hour and it’s great to give back and see this situation. Just to see the smiles on the parents’ faces as well, it makes them a little bit happier.”

She called their visit on Tuesday “cuteness overload” and spent the whole trip smiling as Santa and his team went from room to room.

Reid said when they’re in the helicopter flying to the hospital, it’s inspiring to see how well the children keep it together in such a stressful time.

“They’re so honest with you. There’s no game playing and they’re so brave. It’s the parents who’re having the hardest time.”

Santa also took a Helijet to Victoria, Surrey, New Westminster and Vancouver.

 

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit