Durdoc Hospital hosts fundraiser to continue Mandela’s legacy

TO commemorate Nelson Mandela Day, an annual day that inspires people to participate in acts of community service and social activism, in honour of the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday and legacy, Durdoc Hospital hosted a community initiative and fundraiser at the KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital in South Beach this morning.

According to the nursing manager for Durdoc Hospital, Farhana Alli, Durdoc Hospital has also sponsored R10 000 towards the renovations of the KZN Children’s Hospital. “We gave goodie bags to the mothers and children who attended the KZN Children’s Hospital Genetic Clinic today – the clinic was also open for children to get checked out. We donated five food hampers to the children’s hospital for them to use throughout the year. Mothers visit the children’s hospital throughout the year with their children, so these hampers will be handed out to those mothers and children who need them. We also conducted free blood-pressure testing for parents, and there was a jumping castle for the children, which they really enjoyed.”

Also read: ‘Spreading’ Mandela Day spirit with sandwich drive

Alli says that Durdoc Hospital’s aim was to carry on Mandela’s legacy. “One of Mandela’s legacies that he was passionate about was caring for the underprivileged, and Durdoc Hospital, along with sponsors, including Jehu Industries, Freedom Group, Sun Pharma, Surgical Devices, Pharmed Pharmaceuticals, Synthecon, Penprint and B Braun, who helped put this initiative together, wanted to carry on this legacy. The children definitely enjoyed themselves, and our main goal was to put a smile on all of their faces.”

Tarryn Miller, the CEO of the KZN Children’s Hospital Trust, says the trust hopes to foster a widespread movement that reimagines health spaces that have traditionally been cold and clinical.

“Our aim is to create a ‘HospiWell’. We envision a space that is warm and welcoming, where we let in sunshine and the ocean breeze. We ultimately want children to stay dreaming, and we believe that every child, no matter their ability, deserves an equal chance to thrive,” said Miller.

Also read: Durban University of Technology to host inspiring lecture for Mandela Day

The KZN Children’s Hospital Trust is responsible for fundraising and infrastructure work.

“Once a building or facility is completed, it is handed over to the KZN Department of Health for operational use in perpetuity. Our partnership is governed by a service-level agreement, which holds both the Trust and the Department accountable. This unique public-private partnership has resulted in the treatment of over 35 000 young patients to date. All treatment is and always will be free,” concluded Miller.

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