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Past news from SickKids Foundation.
Calling SickKids Home for the Holidays
Highlighting the annual holiday activities at the Hospital for patients and their families.
December 3, 2010
One of Santa’s Elves carries a sack of gifts from the Griffin Helicopter nicknamed “Rudolph” into The Hospital for Sick Children.
Santa’s Elves at work.
Mike Komisarek, Francois Beauchemin, and Luke Schenn of the Toronto Maple Leafs distributed gifts to the children at SickKids during last year’s holiday activities.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, imagine calling SickKids home for the holidays. This year more than 250 families will see their holiday traditions relinquished to tests, treatments, pokes and procedures, waking up in hospital when others are celebrating with family and friends. For some, this has become their tradition and it is up to the SickKids Child Life Department to bring a little laughter into their lives at this time of year.
From Christmas trees to festive lights, the Hospital is filled with the sights and sounds of the holiday season. “The support SickKids receives from the community is outstanding,” explains Susie Petro, Entertainment and Donations Coordinator, Child Life Department. “The commitment of our staff and volunteers is truly inspiring. Their dedication, combined with the involvement of the community, allows these patients and families to have the chance to celebrate the holidays, which is so important to us.”
Donations play a critical role in all Hospital activities, including those throughout the holiday season. By supporting the highest priority needs at SickKids, such as Child Life programs, donors allow Hospital staff to further utilize special projects like the annual toy drive that provides approximately 350 gift bags for patients.
The Hospital is not alone in its mission. With the help of the Canadian Armed Forces, and a special helicopter nicknamed Rudolph, Operation HoHoHo makes its seasonal return. Bringing in gifts from the Canadian Forces Base Borden (CFB Borden), this special team of honorary elves, comprised of volunteers from the Armed Forces and Toronto Maple Leaf players, deliver presents to children throughout the Hospital.
“Our first priority is to ensure our activities are not only family friendly, but that there is something for everyone,” Petro adds. “From live musical shows, to arts and crafts, to meeting favourite sports heroes, we have something for all ages and all interests. It keeps the atmosphere fun.”
The festivities began on December 2, the first day of Hanukkah, when Chai Lifeline Canada was at the Hospital helping patients make menorahs and holiday greeting cards. There was also a special performance on December 3 with Juno Award winning artist Serena Ryder in the Bear Theatre. This year Santa will make an early appearance in the Bear Theatre giving families the opportunity to get their photo taken with the big man himself. The Toronto Marlies will make a special trip to the Hospital to play “Marlies Bingo” with the patients and the following day the Toronto Raptors will bring holiday cheer as they tour the Hospital, meeting patients and mingling with the families. On Christmas Eve, the Atrium will turn into a winter wonderland with holiday treats, music and activities as families gather to celebrate the excitement of the night before Christmas. The fun continues Christmas morning with a special delivery of presents from Santa and his elves.
The magic of the holiday season is visible on the faces of the patients as they get a chance to enjoy the fun and festivities of the holidays. “The best thing about all of this is that it allows the patients to just be kids,” Petro concludes. “The smiles on their faces are worth it.”