Santa trades sleigh for chopper as he delivers gifts, good cheer to children in southwest B.C. hospitals

Santa's sleigh got a bit of an upgrade in B.C. Tuesday, when St. Nick gave his reindeer the day off andtouched down in a helicopter at hospitals on Vancouver Islandand in MetroVancouver.

One of the young patients atB.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the man in the red suit.

"Super duper excited," said Connor,whenasked how he was feeling while waiting near the helipad.

Tuesday's visit was a joint initiative between provincial and regional health authorities, as well as B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), the B.C. Ambulance Service and helicopter airlineHelijet.

The annual tradition brings presents and holiday cheer to children and families who are spending the Christmas season in hospital.

"Ho, ho, ho," said Santa during his media availability. "Santa wants all the children in hospital over Christmas to know that he will never forget you."

Santa said he started his day in Victoria and made a stop in Nanaimobefore heading toB.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver.

After greeting people on the helipad, he headed inside to say hello to a few more children and to drop off more gifts.

Joanna Stefani,an infant transport team paramedic with BCEHS, was one of Santa's helpers on Tuesday. She saidit was a welcomebreak from hermore difficult helicopter rides, rushingmothers or young patients and their familiesto hospital.

"Today is so exciting that I get to have Santa as my work partner," she said. "And fly around to six different children's hospitals and bring some holiday cheer and alleviate some of the stress."

Santa arrives by helicopter at B.C. Children's Hospital

1 year ago

Duration 2:35

A B.C. air ambulance escorted a special visitor to visit kids at B.C.'s Children Hospital.

Later in the day, Santaflew over to the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Surrey Memorial Hospital, and the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.

He said he hadgood news for anyoneworried they might be on the naughty list.

"All children are good," he said. "Sometimes it takes little bit for them to learn how to handle their emotions and make good choices.

"We're willing to give you a little bit of leeway."

He added that while he visits hospitals onlyonce a year to bring a bit of light and happiness,"it's the people who are there all year that make the big difference," he said.

"It's a horrible place to be but it's the best place to get the care that they need."