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) count down 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 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 through the Mosaic Child Life Program.
Saskatchewan children and families visited with Santa while receiving a special holiday gift and a keepsake photo to commemorate their visit, thanks to the generosity of sponsors.
JPCHF’s Project Holiday Joy activities included cozy holiday movie nights throughout December in the JPCH Family Theatre, festive songs and stories, snow globe making & decorating, holiday bingo, sugar cookie and gingerbread house decorating, as well as a Holiday Market that allowed patients, families and caregivers an opportunity to shop for a special present for each other when they aren’t able to leave the hospital.
“The holiday season is meant to be a time of warmth and connection, yet for Saskatchewan children and expecting mothers who need care over Christmas, it can also be an especially challenging time,” says Troy Davies, CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors, this magical season shines a little brighter inside our hospital walls. Their kindness brings comfort, hope, and moments of joy to children, moms-to-be and the families who need it most.”
