Mater Children’s Private Brisbane’s littlest patients received a surprise visit from Santa Claus this week, when long-serving volunteer Tony McCormack dressed up in his handmade Santa outfit and visited babies and young children in hospital.

Mr McCormack has been a Mater volunteer for 23 years and enjoys dressing up as Santa Claus each year to bring Christmas cheer to Mater’s littlest of patients.

Mr McCormack said bringing smiles to Mater’s littlest patients fills him with joy.

“It brings me a lot of joy to visit Mater’s littlest patients and their families in hospital,” Mr McCormack said.

Director of Clinical Services Tracey Hutley said Mater was fortunate to have volunteers like Mr McCormack as part of the Mater community.

Ms Hutley said volunteers did a wonderful job supporting the hospital community all year round.

“It was particularly special to see the smiles on the faces of young patients when Mr McCormack visited as Santa Claus”.

When Mr McCormack is not busy doubling as Mr Claus, he volunteers as a cuddle pa at Mater. His wife, Sophia McCormack, also volunteers as a cuddle mum. 

Mr McCormack said he joined his wife as a Mater volunteer after retiring from work at age 55.

“We interviewed for two volunteer roles on a Friday and started volunteering the following week,” Mr McCormack said.

“I’ve been dressing up as Santa Claus for many years now”.

Ms Hutley said: “Mater has been providing care and support to sick and seriously ill babies and children and their families for years and Christmas Day is no exception”.

“We’re fortunate to have so many dedicated paediatric specialists, health professionals, support staff and volunteers at Mater Children’s Private Brisbane.”