EMS staff show Christmas Spirit

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Parade

A different kind of Christmas parade rode through downtown Calgary on November 4.  Organized by Calgary EMS paramedic, Dennis McAreavy, over 50 ambulances from Central and Southern Alberta helped transport almost 10,000 Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoeboxes from schools throughout the city to Samaritan’s Purse facilities in NE Calgary.

Students at Riverbend Elementary School were delighted with the arrival of the HAWCS and STARS helicopters joining the Christmas celebration.

"Whenever you see paramedics in the media, there’s always someone sick or injured," said McAreavy.

"Operation Christmas Child is a positive event.  We’re helping children help children.  There’s no losers, everybody wins."  Sean Campbell, Executive Director of Samaritan’s Purse Canada put it simply, "It’s about the kids."

For more info go to www.samaritanspurse.org.