St John’s Prep continues to collect funds and donations for the Charlotte Maxeke paediatric oncology ward was part of their Mandela Day initiative this year.
Cancer survivor Jonathan Baker visited the boys at the Prep and told them about how the doctors and caregivers at Charlotte Maxeke, formerly Johannesburg General Hospital, saved his life when he was just three years old.
Baker went on to request that the boys assist children who often spend months in the ward receiving treatment.
Baker also shared present-day photos of the ward with the boys and explained that the books, toys and furniture in the photos were the exact same ones that had been there when he spent time there 18 years ago.
He told the boys that by donating books, toys, pyjamas and clothes, they could make a big difference to the 270 children that are admitted to the ward annually.
St John’s Prep has been overwhelmed with the generous donations received so far. Further donations can be dropped off with Mrs Powell at the St John’s Prep reception.
Prep headmaster Patrick Lees said, “All these initiatives are important but the most important thing is that you’re making a difference in someone’s life and making their life a little easier.”
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