Santa came to the paediatric unit of the University Hospital of Northern BC Friday morning in Prince George, to the delight of many children who needed a little cheer at this time of year.
Karissa Wright, who is from Hazelton, had to come to Prince George for the care she needed for her eight-day-old little girl.
The whole family came with mom and new daughter.
“We are so grateful, Santa, thank you,” Wright said, with daughters Michayla, 10 and Jayla, 4 , standing in front of her, with her baby girl in the hospital room’s crib.
“We have been so well cared for here by the doctors and nurses. The baby was three days early and an early birthday present for me, my birthday is on the 10th and she was born on the 8th. Hazelton didn’t have the care we needed, so we came here and everyone has been so helpful and it’s been a very relaxing and reassuring time for us.”
The hospital staff has been arranging the annual visit from Santa for more than 20 years to bring a little bit of ‘normal’ back to the world for the children on the paediatric floor during the holidays.
“It’s extremely rewarding to do these kinds of things,” Sarah Christiensen, child life specialist, said. “And it’s the first time in three years that we’ve been able to do this. We’re so happy to have Santa here spreading joy to the children.”
