Caption: Jonathan Thomas volunteered his Christmas morning to dress up as Santa and deliver gifts from local businesses to patients at WDHS
31/12/2020
For most, Christmas is a day enjoyed at home or at the beach – but for those in hospital, the merry end of the year is not so merry.
This year, Western District Health Service (WDHS) switchboard manager, Jonathon Thomas, took it upon himself to bring Hamilton patients Christmas cheer.
On Christmas Day, he volunteered his morning to go ward to ward dressed as Santa Clause to wish each patient a Merry Christmas and deliver presents generously donated by local businesses.
“It was very rewarding to see the patients so happy,” Mr Thomas told The Spectator.
“After going through a lot of trauma myself recently, and the year it has been, I felt it was the least I could do.
Making people happy is so rewarding.
“I had generous donations from the Regent Florist,” he said.
“Louise did an amazing Job, along with donations from The Hive Drive-Thru Coffee, Gray Street Flowers and McDonald’s.”
WDHS Chief Executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, thanked Mr Thomas and all the businesses that contributed to the holiday effort.
“I’m delighted the Christmas spirit is definitely alive and well in WDHS through this act of kindness and the many different ways each and every one of our staff support their local community.
“Thank you to Jono for his leadership and to the many businesses who gave generously to this initiative.”
Article: Condensed from The Spectator, John Garland
Photo: The Spectator