Wailing fire engines and rumbling Harley Davidson motorcycles flooded the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital precinct for the hospital's annual Christmas Parade on 18 December.
Father Christmas – with his big belly, bright red suit and trademark white beard – swopped his sleigh for a ride on a Harley Davidson cruiser, much to the delight of the little patients, their families and staff.
Wrapped in their blue hospital gowns – with some seated in their wheelchairs – the children cheered, clapped and pointed as Father Christmas cruised in. “Look, mommy, there’s Father Christmas”, an excited young boy told his mother.
The event was organised by the Friends of the Children’s Hospital Association, and included firefighters, superheroes and dancers who entertained the crowd while Father Christmas headed into the wards to hand out gifts and nurses sang Christmas carols.
Children and their parents enjoying the festivities outside were also treated to rides, a petting zoo, and a balloon animal sculptor.
“It’s always a pleasure visiting the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and being able to put a smile on the faces of these children. It really warms my heart and gets my festive season started in a very special way,” Father Christmas said of the event.
Watch Father Christmas deliver gifts to the children at Red Cross