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Navy Ship Hosts Children’s Community Christmas Party

With their ship in refit, the crew of HMCS Protecteur will host the 20th annual Children’s Community Christmas Party aboard substitute HMCS Algonquin Thursday afternoon.  Supported by the Esquimalt Lions Club, and the “Friends of HMCS Protecteur” community group, the ship will host about 45 children from MacAulay, Lake Hill, Tillicum, Lampson, and Mckenzie Elementary Schools. 

The traditional event first occurred aboard HMCS Provider in 1986.  The children (aged six to ten years) are given a tour of the ship, provided with lunch, and are entertained by a magician and clowns making balloon animals.  The children will also participate in Christmas craft making, and each child will receive a gift from Santa Claus (played by Petty Officer 2^nd Class Marcel Blanchette).  This year’s event is coordinated by Petty Officer 2^nd Class Jason Roberts, who is assisted by Master Seaman Rose Barnett.

Cmdr. Sean Cantelon, Commanding Officer of HMCS Protecteur says, “I'm very pleased that we have the privilege of hosting this event again.  Protecteur cannot be used this year because of ongoing refit work, but we are pleased that Algonquin has stepped forward.  It's one of the biggest highlights of the season for us, and it means a lot to the ship's company.  To see the faces of the children when Santa makes his entrance is not easily forgotten.”