Santa Claus took a break from his busy preparations for the season to give toys to children who are being treated at various B.C. hospitals on Tuesday. 

"We have come to spread a little bit of joy and bring some gifts to a whole bunch of kids that are in the hospital," Santa told local media. "Hopefully by Christmas they'll be home. If not, we're here to spread some joy so they have a little bit of Christmas spirit."

The visit, sponsored by Helijet and the B.C. Emergency Health Services Group, had the Jolly Old Elf helicopter to Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland care facilities to deliver gifts to the young patients. In Nanaimo, due to the helipad being occupied for a medical transport, Santa had to land downtown and then travel by van to NRGH.

Trina Knight, NRGH's manager for child, youth and family, said despite the rerouting, Santa still managed to visit all the children in the pediatric wing.

"It always brightens up the kids and the staff just love him as well. It brings the Christmas spirit to the Island..." Knight said. "The kids just love Santa, it brightens their day. Often they're here because of course they're sick and not feeling well, but as soon as they see Santa their eyes light up and Santa of course engages, and it's just wonderful to see their smiles on their face when Santa comes around."

One of the children, 19-month-old Everlee Kerr, has been in the hospital for the past three days. 

"Santa came in and visited and gave her a little teddy bear and asked her to jingle the bells and it was very fun and adorable," said Megan Kerr. 

Danny Sitnam, president and CEO of Helijet International, said it wasn't too hard to get the man himself, the company just needed to make sure it had some milk and cookies on hand. 

"It's all about the children and giving a little bit of an opportunity for Santa to get around the block really quickly by using our helicopters and giving the reindeer a little bit of a break," Sitnam said.