By Spencer Sterritt

Rivier School brings Christmas spirit to pediatric unit

Dec 21, 2016 | 4:00 PM

Santa’s elves dropped off presents a little early this year.

Blessed Marie Rivier Catholic School students visited the pediatric unit of Victoria Hospital today, Dec. 21, to donate dozens of wrapped Christmas gifts.

Nursing unit manager Jane Antoine said each year, the children’s eyes light up when they see the presents in their rooms on Christmas.

“It’s just a really nice gesture and the kids love it. It makes the hospital a little less daunting,” she said.

Many patients come into the unit from the North or were transferred from Saskatoon, which means they often don’t have many of their toys.

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Not all the gifts will be handed out on Christmas Day. Antoine said any extras will be used throughout the year and also shared with the pediatric mental health unit.

She said many don’t realize Victoria Hospital has a pediatric mental health unit, even though she said it’s just as important as acute care for kids.

“People seem to forget that mental health is something that really needs to be addressed the same way as if you have a broken leg,” she said.

This was the first year Blessed Marie has donated gifts to the pediatric unit.

Grade 11 student Janaya Fuller explained students bought a gift in the $10 to $15 range in exchange of not having to wear their school uniform for a day.

“We had a real connection with the children and we thought it would be really nice,” she said. “I haven’t really heard of many people who have brought stuff for the pediatric unit.”

ssterritt@panow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit