Children blessed through altruistic public action

To end off Nelson Mandela Month, members of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (the Fund) and volunteers dropped off care packages and gifts to children at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) in Parktown on July 31.

It is tradition for the legacy organisations to mark the birth, life and social contribution of their founder, Mandela, during the month of July. The month has become associated with displays of altruism with members of the public supporting institutions with various requests, including on-site donations to support their work.

However, Level 4 restrictions together with the recent unrest in the country placed limitations on the Fund and NMCH’s ability to host events in a similar manner. When the country was shifted to Level 3, the Fund and hospital decided to host a donation drive-through on July 31.

Community members brought donations for care partners for the spaces of health, child survival and development, as well as child protection and safety.

Interim CEO at NMCH Dr Nonkululeko Boikhutso said, “Our patients and families have a wide variety of needs. We are relieved that we can end off the month in this way to encourage the public to support our institution in the spirit of Madiba and giving.”

From the month of April, the NMCH accommodated an additional 100 patients together with their families and staff from the neighbouring Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) following a fire at the facility. While some patients have already been moved back to CMJAH, others remain at NMCH.

“The intervention was absolutely necessary but as you can imagine, this added strain on our resources,” said Boikhutso.

The public are still encouraged to make online donations to both organisations through their websites: www.nelsonmandelachildrensfund.com; www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org or email communications@nmcf.co.za to arrange a drop-off.

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