Corrie brightens up hospital corridors

Corrie De Swardt  brightens up the corridors of Dundee hospital and bringing smiles to many patients with homemade Christmas decorations, painted pine cones and Christmas lights. The idea was born about eight years ago during the December of 2006 when a friend was admitted to hospital and was receiving treatment for a lung infection. The young man was admitted to a mens’ ward and the ward glittered with a welcoming Christmas spirit.

He was then moved to Ward seven. To Corrie’s surprise the corridors were bare and unwelcoming, unlike the previous ward.

Quick thinking Corrie spoke to the matron and took it upon herself to spread Christmas cheer in this ward and other similar wards.

Her reasoning behind it was simple and heart-warming, “these people also need Christmas”.

She dug deep into her pockets and her heart and made it a reality.

Being a resourceful woman, Corrie makes her own Christmas decorations out of dried seeds and pine cones. She paints the pine cones, dries and paints the seeds and then strings them together. Corrie also has ten years of hosting Christmas parties under her belt. She started the parties in 2004 in a small squatter camp area in Hattingspruit.

When asked where her idea stemmed from, her voice softened as she explained, “my grandchildren have tons of toys, these children have none”. The parties are usually held around December 16 but was held on December 11 this year.

The kiddies were fed a meal and given treats and presents.

Corrie brings a new dimension to the gift of giving, and though she has encountered many challenges, she carries on spreading Christmas cheer.