Santa’s stocking magic knows no bounds
By Gillian Slade on December 15, 2018.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade Christmas stockings will be placed on the beds of hospital patients this Christmas thanks to some very special people. For the fifth consecutive year RE/MAX Medalta Real Estate has been donating money for the items to be placed in the stockings, and on Friday they gathered to fill them. “It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without this,” said Natalie Hardinger. “It’s about doing something kind for someone you don’t know,” said Denise Thiessen. Each year an estimate is made of the number of patients expected to be in hospital. Based on that guess, 190 stocking were prepared on Friday, said Heather Bach, executive director Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation. This year in addition to the usual items such as hand lotion, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, chocolates, candy canes, a puzzle book and pen, there are also toques. RE/MAX Medalta also adds a personally signed Christmas card. The filled stockings are given to nurses in each ward to place on the beds of patients Christmas Eve. The feedback from patients has been very positive, said Bach. Christmas is a time for family and tradition, so those who end up in hospital over the festive season can feel lonely. The stocking helps to send a message that it is still Christmas — even in Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, said Bach. A relative of Thiessen’s was one of the recipients a few years ago. Thiessen was unaware that the person had been admitted to hospital but received a text message expressing appreciation for the stocking. Bringing a smile to someone’s face in hospital on Christmas Day is what it’s about, said Thiessen of her involvement. This was the first year for Nancy Schwartz of RE/MAX Medalta to participate. “I think it is fabulous,” she said noting it is going to become part of her Christmas tradition. “Anything to cheer a patient up, I’m all for it,” said Schwartz. 15
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