By Alyssia Rubertucci
The 67th edition of Montreal's Santa Claus parade marched its way through the heart of the city on Sunday afternoon, and into the hearts of thousands of spectators.
Festive floats and marching bands playing holiday tunes travelled down Sainte-Catherine St. starting from Fort St. over to Saint-Urbain St.
The 90-minute parade had the children overjoyed, especially at the sight of Santa himself.
Alyssia Rubertucci/CJAD 800
One child raved, "I was amazed by everything because there's so many colours and there's the spirit of Christmas.
Her mother Lea said she enjoyed the parade just as much as her daughter. "Everything was magic," she said.
But much of the parade's magic took place over at Phillip's Square, where Urgences-Sante had transported over 50 children from various hospitals across the city, so they, too, could see Santa.
For Tania Djerrahian, the fact that her son, Lucas, could be there was touching.
"Just being here and seeing him enjoy Santa Claus and all of the special things being offered here is bringing tears to my eyes," she said.
"This little boy has been through so much and just to have the people who take such good care of him and who watch out for his health also watch out for his happiness and his joy, it's just been spectacular," Djerrahian added.
Alyssia Rubertucci/CJAD 800
Benoit Garneau, Chief of Operations with Urgences Sante, says this yearly initiative brings him joy.
"We give to them what they can't have if they're at the hospital," he said.
Urgences Sante has been doing this for the kids for 21 years.
Alyssia Rubertucci/CJAD 800