Share |

Font Size:

 

• Contact Us

• Public Affairs General Inquiries:
  tel: 416-813-1218

• Media Inquiries:
  tel: 416-813-8292

Sharing holiday cheer at SickKids

December 6, 2011

Hunter shares his Christmas wish with Santa last year.

Now, Hunter is always ready for a hockey game.

Honorary elves at SickKids.

 

Four-year-old Hunter met Santa for the first time at SicKKids. “He was beyond excited,” says his mother, Sitara, of the visit last year. “He just stood back in awe.”

Hunter was in hospital last December undergoing treatment for leukemia. Having been diagnosed with the disease in 2009, the active little boy has actually spent his last two holiday seasons in the Hospital. Santa always makes it a point to bring a special delivery to patients every Christmas morning at SickKids.

“The staff goes above and beyond to make sure the holidays are magical for kids,” says Sitara.

Whether families celebrate Christmas, Chanukah or another holiday tradition, SickKids makes sure there is something for everyone who has to call the Hospital ‘home’ at this time of year. Throughout the month of December, the Hospital is abuzz with activity – from making menorahs with children, to singing holiday songs, stringing twinkle lights and creating a winter wonderland in the Atrium. Generous community and corporate donations also make it possible for the Hospital to provide up to 350 gift bags for children.

Special guests pitch in as well. With the help of the Canadian Armed Forces and a special helicopter nicknamed Rudolph, a team of honorary elves, comprised of Armed Forces and Toronto Maple Leaf players, land on the roof and deliver presents to children throughout the Hospital in the middle of the month.

“These special celebrations make a huge difference for the families like ours who have to spend the holiday season at the Hospital,” says Sitara. “It really gave Hunter a sense that he was included in the same traditions that everyone else shares and he loved every minute of it.”

Looking for a meaningful way to give this holiday? SickKids has some great campaigns and has partnered with local retailers to help give your holiday shopping special impact.