Krusty Keene has been spreading the Christmas cheer to people who are not in the most cheerful scenario, delivering toys to patients in the Ballarat Health Services emergency department, cancer centre and children’s ward during the week.
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“Three years ago, my fiancee had a heart attack and was brought in to the emergency department,” Mr Keene said.
“She was treated so well I just started doing this to say thanks.”
Mr Keene gives presents to all staff members at the emergency departmen.
“Often people come in to the emergency department and then go somewhere else in the hospital for treatment.
“They thank the guys upstairs but sometimes the guys downstairs can be forgotten.
“It’s my way of saying thank you for the valuable service the doctors and nurses provideg to any of us.”
Mr Keene has been dressing up as Santa for the past three years and delivering presents at the hospital. He says Santa has become an alter ego.
“I love it and the staff love it too.
“A lot of people ask why – and I just say it’s because I’m being Santa.”
Mr Keene said he had a lot of donations and support from local businesses to provide the toys and presents, in particular Ballarat Bingo Centre, Bakers Delight Howitt Street, Harvey Norman, La Porchetta and the Waubra Football Netball
Club.
