Santa and his elves literally dropped into the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital this morning, delighting the children – and most of the staff – as they abseiled down eight stories, Queensland Police say.
Stefan’s MASKS (Making Sick Kids Smile) Foundation Christmas Gift Drive started the
day with breakfast at the Queen Street Mall. A procession of police horses, cars and approximately 40 motorcycles from the Road Policing Command then made their way to the hospital to tour the wards and deliver presents to the kids.
Children were entertained between face-painting, patting the police puppies and standing at a cautious distance to the police horses; all until Santa’s big entrance.
Santa and three trusted elves descended from the top storey, waving to the delighted kids through the windows of each floor. They were greeted on the ground by officers carrying sacks full of donated toys.
The MASKS event has become an exciting tradition for both the Queensland Police Service and the children, with the event occurring at Easter and Christmas for the past 18 years.
Chocolates and toys donated by the MASKS Foundation, with the assistance of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, were gifted to children throughout the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, which is the largest specialist children’s hospital in Queensland.
Commissioner Ian Stewart stated that it was a privilege to bring a variety of Queensland Police Service personnel together to give hospitalised children a joyful reprieve in a potentially stressful and disheartening time of year.
"We hope this event is a worthy distraction for the sick and injured children and brings smiles to their faces," Commissioner Stewart said.
"The bravery and determination of these kids is outstanding. Delivering presents is a small gesture to show that the community is behind them."
For more information about the MASKS Foundation visit their website.
For more information about the Children’s Hospital Foundation visit their website.
