Children and families at Bear Cottage in Manly had an early Christmas surprise on 18 December when Santa arrived by helicopter, helped out by Toll Helicopter and Ambulance Australia as Rudolph and the other reindeer were so busy getting ready for Christmas Day.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and Chief Executive of NSW Dr Dominic Morgan welcomed Santa to Manly before helping him give presents to the children with life-limiting illness and their families.
The NSW Ambulance Quintet played carols for everyone, adding to the Christmas spirit of the event, which is the seventh time Santa has joined Toll Ambulance Helicopter to visit Bear Cottage.
Mr Minns said he was ‘privileged’ to join Santa this Christmas.
“I am so pleased Santa Clause is helping to deliver some festive spirit to these kids and their families,” Mr Minns said.
“Thank you to Santa and the Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter team for continuing their traditional Christmas visit from the North Pole to Bear Cottage.
“I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the team at Bear Cottage for supporting these families during 2023 at their home away from home.”