Ilisoni Verebalavu, who is admitted at Labasa Hospital with a fractured leg, was amazed when Santa Claus presented him with a toy for Christmas.

The three-year-old of Lajonia, Labasa, who kept on complaining about his leg pain, suddenly held on to his mother’s hand and asked whether it was really Santa Claus.

Teresia Mereani replied yes to him and then he smiled when his photo was taken with Santa Claus.

Nancy Maqosa, 8, with a fractured arm smiled and said thank you to the club members for giving her a Christmas present.

Her mother Nina Maqosa said Nancy was hoping for a Christmas gift but she could not buy it because she had to be in the hospital to look after her.

“Many thanks to the club for their timely visit and making Nancy feel part of the Christmas celebration,” Mrs Maqosa said.

These were some reactions from children admitted at the Labasa Hospital’s Children’s Ward when the Labasa Lions Club presented them with Christmas gifts on Thursday.

As part of their annual programme, they also presented Christmas snackpacks to other patients admitted and staff of the hospital.

Club president Navindra Pillay said the purpose of the programme was to cheer up the patients and staff of the Labasa Hospital.

“Christmas is a time of celebration with family at home and unfortunately the patients and staff could not participate,” Mr Pillay said.

“I would like to thank the staff of Labasa Hospital for sacrificing their family time to serve the people.

“I believe that when we put aside our personal interest to serve people in need first, God will surely bless us,” he said.

Meanwhile club life member Mohammed Yakub said they had been visiting Labasa Hospital on Christmas  day for more than 35 years.