OFFICERS from the Queensland Police Service continued their annual tradition of delivering chocolate Easter eggs to the Queensland Children's Hospital yesterday.
For the past 20 years QPS has partnered with Stefan's and his MASKS (Make a Sick Kid Smile) Foundation children's charity to bring some joy to sick children at Easter.
This year about 30 officers from the Road Policing Unit took part in the event, riding police bikes in convoy from Stefan's Jo Jo's restaurant in South Brisbane to the Children's Hospital where they spent the morning meeting kids and handing out chocolates and toys.
QPS said the officers came from far and wide, including the Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim, Ipswich and the Gold Coast.
Among them was Senior Constable Ian Phillips who said he would be on duty over the Easter break to ensure Scenic Rim motorists drive safely.
Constable Phillips said yesterday was the third time he had taken part in the convoy, which also happens at Christmas.
"We generally arrive about 10am and as we get closer to the hospital we put on the lights and sirens," he said.
"The kids faces light up and those who are able to, are waiting for us outside with nurses and parents.
"You can see how much they enjoy it when they see us coming."
Constable Phillips said the police also visited children who were too unwell to leave the wards.
"I remember one child last year was really sick, he looked so sad when we went in but we had a joke with him and within a few minutes he was sitting up and laughing," he said.
"For me, that gave me joy. It's nice to be able to visit and hand out some gifts but it's great to bring happiness and laughter to kids who are on a tough journey.
"I look forward to that, and I am very much looking forward to Christmas."
Constable Phillips said credit for the event should go to Senior Constable Vaughn Carman from the Road Policing Unit at Boondall, who had been instrumental in making the event run smoothly.
"He does a sensational job of organising us and making sure we are able to take time off from work to take part in this run," he said.
Police commissioner Ian Stewart was also in attendance and said he had been proud to attend this event for the last six years as commissioner, supporting the QPS and MASKS Foundation giving back to the community.
