A BUSY Santa embraced the digital age to spread some Christmas cheer at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin.
This year, instead of sending their Christmas lists in the post to the North Pole, children at the Cancer Ward got the chance to share them with Santa who paid them a virtual visit at his busiest time of year.
With the help of video communications technology from Cisco, Santa ‘dropped in’ to the hospital to hear the children’s Christmas wishes.
Cisco’s Connected Santa programme gives young patients and their families the opportunity to speak directly to Santa in the North Pole while his elf helpers were on hand at the hospital to share gifts with the children in person.
“Around 100 very ill children will spend this Christmas Day at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin,” explained Rachel Kenna, Director of Nursing.
“We try to get as many children as we can home for Christmas.
“Having a child with a serious illness puts a lot of strain on families, particularly at this time of year.
“That is why coming up to Christmas this magical event organised by Cisco is an amazing experience, bringing joy and fun to the children and a major distraction from their treatment.
“Cisco’s Connected Santa programme brings that all-important Christmas sparkle to the ward.
“It puts a smile on all of our faces and helps to provide an enjoyable experience for the children, their family and friends, at what can be a very difficult time.”
Rachel added: “We’re delighted to be working with Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin to connect a very busy Santa with some greatly deserving and inspiring young people.
“The bravery of the children we meet, and those who look after them is incredibly overwhelming.”
Paul Kavanagh, General Manager of Cisco Ireland, said: “We’re honoured to be able to utilise the power of our technology to spread Christmas cheer to patients and their families at a time when they may not otherwise be able to enjoy the season.”
Day in day out, Ireland’s sickest children step through the doors of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.
The hospital, together with partners, The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation, endeavour to provide patients with life-changing treatment, and thereby improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
You can make a donation or fundraise by visiting the charity’s website at The Children’s Medical & Research Foundation (See www.cmrf.org) .Also, check out their new range of Christmas cards.
