Jolly Old Saint Nick made a special trip to some children at Surrey Memorial Hospital on Tuesday (Dec. 10).
With him, he brought some Christmas cheer and some toys for kids currently in the hospital.
This was Helijet International and BC Emergency Health Services' (BCEHS) 20th year of "Santa Flights," where they deliver toys to kids' pediatric units in six hospitals in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island.
David Nemec joined Santa this year. He is specifically trained for the Infant Transport Team (ITT) paramedics, where he and his colleagues care for and transport babies and young kids with "acute or emergency health needs."
“We all look forward to the Santa Flights each year, and it’s an honour to represent our dedicated ITT critical care team on this year’s rounds,” Nemec said in a press release. “Every day, we help children all over B.C. who need medical care, but when we fly in with Santa, we get to visit kids in a setting where they’re in better spirits. It’s so gratifying to see them smile as they bravely face their health challenges.”
@todayinbc Santa's sleigh just got a turbo boost! 🎅🚁 This year marks the 20th anniversary of this magical tradition, delivering joy to six hospitals across BC! From Santa's helicopter to the smiles of kids facing tough times, it's the ultimate holiday surprise! 🏥❤️ #SantaFlights #SurreyMemorial #ChristmasCheer #Helijet #BCAirAmbulance #HolidayMagic #santa #MakingSpiritsBright #NEWS #vancouverbc #local #christmas #SURREY #hospital #children ♬ Holly Jolly Christmas (Sped Up) - Michael Bublé & Sped Up Songs + Nightcore
Danny Sitnam, the president and CEO of Helijet, was also along for the ride.
"We began this whole idea with a single flight that took Santa by helicopter to one hospital in our first year. No one knew back then that it would grow to what it’s become today, with six hospital visits in a single day. Only flying Santa by helicopter makes that possible," Sitnam said. "All of us at Helijet are happy to have this opportunity to work once again with BCEHS and help make the holiday season special for these kids who find themselves in hospital as Christmas approaches.”
Along with Surrey Memorial, his year’s Santa Flights itinerary also includes Victoria General, Royal Columbian, Nanaimo Regional General, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and the BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre.
