SASKATOON — Santa’s visit is one of many festivities of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) Project Holiday Joy initiatives, aiming to bring children and families in hospital the opportunity to enjoy some holiday cheer as they receive care at Saskatchewan’s only dedicated children and maternal hospital.
As many young patients at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) eagerly countdown the number of sleeps until Santa’s arrival, the jolly man himself decided to stir up holiday excitement for Saskatchewan children as he arrived at JPCH with gifts in a bright shiny red truck to visit the children and families receiving care.
Everyone in JPCH could hear Santa’s “Ho! Ho! Ho!” as he headed toward the Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone. Santa was eager to explore the festive activities the team had organized as part of the Mosaic Child Life Program. Saskatchewan children and families then got the opportunity to talk to Santa while receiving a special holiday gift and a keepsake photo to commemorate their visit, thanks to the generosity of Graham Construction.
JPCHF’s Project Holiday Joy activities included cozy holiday movie nights all December long in the JPCH Family Theatre, festive songs and stories, crafting snow globes and stockings, jingle bingo, sugar cookie and gingerbread house decorating, as well as a Holiday Market that allows patients, families, and caregivers an opportunity to shop for a special present for each other when they aren’t able to leave the hospital.
“Santa's visit is a magical moment that brings immeasurable joy to our province’s young patients and their families in hospital,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President & CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Project Holiday Joy exemplifies the spirit of giving, and we are thankful to our dedicated sponsors and partners for the opportunity to create lasting memories during the holiday season. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of these courageous children receiving life-changing care at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital."
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation expresses its gratitude to the sponsors of Project Holiday Joy: Graham Construction, the Santa Visit Sponsor; Viterra, the Gingerbread Sponsor; and McDougall Gauley, the Holiday Movie Sponsor.
