Window-washing superheroes pay visit to children at KGH

Nothing brightens up an already-sunny day like seeing your favourite superheros just outside your hospital room window, waving hello.

This is something those with Elite Window Cleaning here in Kingston know all too well — and why they return to the hospital year after year, putting smiles on the faces of the children inside, as well as local residents who cheer the window cleaners on for their awesome performance.

Elite Window Cleaning has been holding Superhero Day for the past four years. The company was already contracted by Kingston General Hospital (KGH) when both parties came up with the idea together, explained Chris Stoness, President and CEO of Elite Window Cleaning.

“It was a marriage. We were here and contracted to clean the windows, and thought it would be a great idea, just to bring some life to the kids and do it together, so it’s a real cooperative effort,” he said.

“They’ve really turned it into something big,” added Vice President Chris Squires, referring to the staff at KGH.

“Yeah, the whole NICU is filled with other super heroes, which is the nurses and doctors that are there,” agreed Stoness.

While the superheroes that show up for the day have changed over the years, there have been some consistent faces (or masks). Batman, Spider-man, and Iron Man have attended each year, and this year Star Lord and Captain Marvel joined in the festivities.

And while the event is a great way to get their name out there, those with Elite Window Cleaning explained that it’s the children and the hospital that inspire them to continue Superhero Day each year.

“We use this opportunity as well to give back to the community. We actually donate 10 per cent of our proceeds back to the hospital, company-wide. And we have 18 other locations,” said Squires.

“And everyone out there [with Elite Window Cleaning] today is wearing a red cape, just to let people know that they’re a part of this,” continued Stoness. “Everything we make in every city we operate in, we’re giving 10 per cent back to the hospital.”

But as the superheroes scaled KGH with the sun shining of Lake Ontario behind them, it was obvious to all those who witnessed the awesome event exactly why the company holds this event annually.

“Really, the whole purpose of this event is for the kids,” Stoness said.

All photos by Dominic Owens, with files from Dominic Owens.