Christmas came early for many at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.

Suncor Energy donated 275 teddy bears to the Health Foundation on Monday.

The oil company received the stuffed animals after they purchased the ‘Operation Bear Hug’ tree, created by Finning Canada, at the Festival of Trees Gala.

“Not only did this tree raise $38,000 for long term impacts to local healthcare; Suncor and Finning were able to help make the holidays even brighter by distributing the bears to patients throughout the hospital,” said Lorna Ash, Director of Development, NLHF, in a release.

Suncor and Finning got to tour the hospital before delivering the gifts to patients.

“No one wants to be in the hospital over the holidays, but these teddy bears will help put a smile on the faces of those receiving care,” added Jordanna Lambert, Director of Patient Care.