From a boogying Santa to a new bus . . . Christmas celebration a huge hit!

Santa (Dermot) with incoming Auxiliary President Christa Schneider and current President, Clare Dhillon.

A sea of red . . . Auxilians take the place of honour in the front section of the Ralph Fisher Auditorium.

“Santa Baby I want a yacht, and really that’s not a lot . . .”

Members of the Integrated Harmonic Network. From left: Gladys Tse, Debbie Sanderson, Kevin Chow, Ana Himani, John Con, Michael Li, Kelly Keitel, Robert Toren, and Cheryl Chan.

Kevin, John and Michael played a variety of holiday favorites.

Santa with his elves (Natalie and Betty)

Mike, with his colourful antlers and Snoopy tie, poses with Santa’s elves.

Hundreds of Auxilians, staff, physicians and contractors took time from their busy day to celebrate the season, mingle with friends and colleagues, thank the Auxiliary for their generous contributions throughout the year, and enjoy the tasty goodies prepared by Sodexo. Given the many demands and constant challenges of working in healthcare, this annual event is always a welcome change of pace and a wonderful opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work and ongoing commitment to those we serve.

This year’s festivities turned out to be especially entertaining with the following highlights:

• a music video from some of the Directors ),
• Santa (Dermot), and his two elves (Natalie and Betty) handing out candy canes and chocolates,
• Santa showing off some impressive dance moves as he was being serenaded by Kelly “Marilyn” Keitel with the classic “Santa Baby” ,
• Mike wearing a reindeer hat and Snoopy tie to MC the event,
• Our talented in-house band, Integrated Harmonic Network, providing live music,
• Dr. Peter Chee announcing the six lucky winners of the 2012 Christmas Draw;
• Philip Tse providing a non-demominational blessing, and
• The Auxiliary announcing $400,000 in donations which includes a new bus for residents at Richmond Lions Manor.

A selection of goodies were also sent to staff working at our other sites across Richmond.

Thanks to everyone who made the event such a special treat this year:

• Janet Prins and Maureen Malanchuk – my  little elves
• The many volunteers who decorated the auditorium and atrium, and who painstakingly made new bows for the tree in the atrium. Kudos also go to the team from Facilities and Aramark staff who assisted them.
• Our other elf, Christy Ellis.
• Our very own band, the Integrated Harmonic Network – John Con, Kelly Keitel, Cheryl Chang, Ana Himani, Robert Toren, Kevin Chow, Michael Li, Debbie Sanderson, and Gladys Tse.
• Leanne McPhee and the talented staff at Sodexo for making and serving the delicious treats.

Happy holidays, everyone, and here’s wishing you a safe and healthy 2013!