Jean-Luc Pomerleau, a patient on the oncology floor at the McGill University Health Centre had a chance to give back to his family and friends by picking a number of Christmas gifts from the hospital’s pop up boutique on Wednesday.
The Cedar Cansupport Centre, in partnership with local companies, donated money and miscellaneous gifts.
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The boutique allows patients like Pomerleau, who is in his second treatment battling acute leukemia, to stay within the security of the hospital while they receive treatment and the chance to give gifts, something Pomerleau didn’t think he would do this year.
“It’s pleasant that other people are thinking about us; that they have compassion and it’s a pleasure for me to share it with my family,” Pomerleau said.
Organizers and volunteers of the event also feel joyful helping patients pick out items for their special someone.
“It’s a privilege for us to be able to do that and it is a good feeling for us also because it makes us feel good to make them feel good,” Cedars Cansupport Infirm director, Helen Rossiter, said. “Because being in the hospital over Christmas is a bummer.”
Pomerleau’s spirits were up when he found out about the gesture and is already thinking about surprising his family.
Pomerleau says being able to give gifts at Christmas allows him to show his gratitude to his loved ones, making the holiday season a little brighter for everyone in his family.