York Region Paramedic Services field teaching officer Helen Galanis has for 11 years organized the first responders’ Christmas Eve delivery of toys and blankets to children and seniors at the region’s three hospitals as a way to give back to the community.
While the Dec. 24 holiday delivery included many big gift bags of toys donated by Vaughan-based wholesale and toy distributor Ganz, the focus this year as in year’s past is on seniors who are in hospital alone. Dozens of blankets have been donated and an equal number were knitted and crocheted by paramedic staff.
“As paramedics, the majority of our clientele are elderly and so often when they are in hospital, they are forgotten,” Galanis said. “And, this is an opportunity to do something good outside of work.”
The first responders continue a 14-year tradition today as they dropped of the gifts at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Mackenzie Health and Markham Stouffville Hospital.
York Region’s team of more than 550 paramedics provide emergency response and community care to residents and visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
