Santa Arrives by Helicopter to Visit Young Patients at Kingston General Hospital – Kingston | The Canadian News

A special visitor stopped by Kingston General Hospital (KGH) on Friday to visit sick children in the pediatric floor solarium.

With the help of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Santa flew to the hospital, not by sled, but in a Griffon helicopter from St. Hubert.

He landed on the hospital helipad, delivering Santa Claus and his elves as part of “Operation Ho Ho Ho”.

“This is our third year in a row,” says Captain Trevor Hopkins. “But the (Operation) Ho Ho Ho itself has dragged on a bit longer. It started in one of our squads, 400 in Borden, so maybe about 10 years to be honest. “

The annual event is designed to bring holiday cheer to the hospital’s young patients and their families, and it did.

“It’s a difficult time being here at the hospital,” says Christine Leininger, KGH’s children’s specialist. “Today just created so much happiness and excitement, and that’s what we need to create here. To bring normal life here to the hospital. “

Leininger says that everyone was excited to meet Saint Nick.

“Santa’s arrival today was absolutely incredible,” he says. “The kids were delighted, the staff were delighted, the families were so happy. And you could see their smiles behind their masks and feel the emotion for sure. “

“Your eyes can water when those kids see Santa Claus inside and take the bear away,” says Hopkins. “It’s really exciting”.

The volunteer elves, as well as all the toys that were delivered, were courtesy of 1 Wing Headquarters located at CFB Kingston.

“I think it’s a great way to give back to the community,” says Hopkins. “I feel like we are definitely part of Kingston at headquarters, and this is a great way to give back and make kids smile.”