Paramedics resume tradition of sending hospitalized children to Santa Claus parade

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A little bit of joy returned to St. Catherine Street on Saturday as the Santa Claus parade returned for the first time in two years.

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The revival of the parade has allowed Urgence Santé paramedics and student volunteers to resume the tradition of bringing long-stay children from five different hospitals to join in the fun.

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“We’ve been in the hospital many times, but it’s nice to be able to go out and socialize with other people. It’s exciting to watch and everyone is taking care of us.” For a while, the Hospitality Center of the University of Sainte-Justine.

On Saturday, Liola took part in the pre-parade festivities behind one of 13 ambulances decorated with large reindeer antlers. The ambulance traveled part of her route in the parade and stopped at Phillips Her Square, where several mascots were waiting to entertain. “She had so much fun,” Forvil said as her daughter lay on the stretcher and she experienced what it was like to be in the parade.

“Ever since they told us about it this week, she’s already been excited, saying every day, ‘When can we meet Santa Claus?’ Forville said while preparing to watch the parade.

Chantal Comeau, Urgences-Santé’s head of communications, said it didn’t take long to find paramedics willing to volunteer on holidays.

It was the 24th time Urgences-Santé paramedics volunteered to take children to the parade, and the previous two years had not been possible, leaving many unable to attend the event.

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“When we announced that we could do it this year, the response from the volunteers was amazing.

A few hours before the parade began, a large group of paramedics and CEGEP paramedic program students were dispatched to five different hospitals to transport nearly 50 children and their families in 13 ambulances and converted buses. took me to the festival.

“What’s very special is that many of these children will not be able to participate in the parade without the help of paramedics. They need special care and special transport here (Saturday) morning. “It’s one of the rare occasions when children are discharged from the hospital to be involved in activities, but most importantly, they can be with their families.”

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“It’s very special for the kids, but it’s not that often, especially for families, because you get to enjoy the activities with them.”

Adam Mazzarelli, a junior in the paramedic program at John Abbott College, also says he’s passionate about volunteering.

“Immediately, I knew I wanted to be involved. Being here for the children and seeing the smiles on their faces especially when they need it most means a lot to me.”

3-year-old Ella London Kavel seemed eager to see her first Santa Claus parade after seeing some normality in her life recently. She was born prematurely at her 26 weeks and endured heart surgery and tube feeding. She no longer has to sleep at Children’s Hospital of Montreal, but she returns there frequently as part of her follow-up care.

“Ella’s discharge was in 2019 when the pandemic began and many social events at the hospital were disrupted. So this is a great way to come back and participate in the hospital and thank them for what they have done It’s also a way of celebrating our victories and victories, not always focused on the care we have to give.

pcherry@postmedia.com