People came together to bring Christmas cheer to children with cerebral palsy and their families on Saturday.
Madiba Sunrise is a non-profit organisation that brings home-based care twice a month to 16 East London children with the condition.
Board chairman Pat Goosen, who was recently nominated as a Daily Dispatch Johnson & Johnson local hero, was the co-ordinator of the annual event, which was held at St Alban’s Church in Vincent and supported by many sponsors.
“Every year we have the opportunity to use the same venue for our Christmas party, and we have been blessed with loyal sponsors who continue to support the organisation and our children.
“Since the Daily Dispatch began their local hero campaign, even more people have become aware of the work we do and more businesses have offered to assist.”
Johnson & Johnson’s Michelle Pretorius said they were proud to be part of the initiative.
“We want to encourage other companies to reach out a hand and get more involved in the community by making a difference to those who are less fortunate.”
Goosen lauded the joint effort made by businesses to assist families affected by cerebral palsy.
“Designer Lighting, which does the Christmas lighting in Oxford Street, used the same lights to design a Christmas tree for the occasion.
“IT firm ELCB information services have supplied us with custom-made wheelchairs for our children. They regularly supply us with adult nappies and it is through their networks that we have established a relationship with Dynamic Brands, which supplies us with five-litre concentrated Fusion juice.”
The IT company also donated 16 boxes of groceries, and has pledged to sponsor 10 needy families every month in this financial year.
Goosen said he was pleased to have been supported by Johnson & Johnson, who are partners in the local hero campaign, which sponsored toiletries for the families.
Bidvest car and van rental also came to the Christmas party by transporting the children and their families there and home.
“Transporting everyone and getting them to the same venue is one of the biggest challenges we have, yet we need to be together and do things collectively,” said Goosen.
Yolandi Mentoor, mother to Aldren, 21, who has cerebral palsy, told the Dispatch the party was a highlight of the year for them.
“Thank you to all the companies who played a role so that we can be here allowing our kids to have fun, and also for making it possible for us not to go home empty-handed,” Yolandi said.
- Businesses that want to make a difference are invited to attend the Daily Dispatch and Johnson & Johnson local hero awards ceremony at The Venue on November 25 at 6pm. Tables are available for R2800. For more information Call Penny on 043-702-2064. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Early Christmas for EL kids with cerebral palsy
Madiba Sunrise is a non-profit organisation that brings home-based care twice a month to 16 East London children with the condition.
Board chairman Pat Goosen, who was recently nominated as a Daily Dispatch Johnson & Johnson local hero, was the co-ordinator of the annual event, which was held at St Alban’s Church in Vincent and supported by many sponsors.
“Every year we have the opportunity to use the same venue for our Christmas party, and we have been blessed with loyal sponsors who continue to support the organisation and our children.
“Since the Daily Dispatch began their local hero campaign, even more people have become aware of the work we do and more businesses have offered to assist.”
Johnson & Johnson’s Michelle Pretorius said they were proud to be part of the initiative.
“We want to encourage other companies to reach out a hand and get more involved in the community by making a difference to those who are less fortunate.”
Goosen lauded the joint effort made by businesses to assist families affected by cerebral palsy.
“Designer Lighting, which does the Christmas lighting in Oxford Street, used the same lights to design a Christmas tree for the occasion.
“IT firm ELCB information services have supplied us with custom-made wheelchairs for our children. They regularly supply us with adult nappies and it is through their networks that we have established a relationship with Dynamic Brands, which supplies us with five-litre concentrated Fusion juice.”
The IT company also donated 16 boxes of groceries, and has pledged to sponsor 10 needy families every month in this financial year.
Goosen said he was pleased to have been supported by Johnson & Johnson, who are partners in the local hero campaign, which sponsored toiletries for the families.
Bidvest car and van rental also came to the Christmas party by transporting the children and their families there and home.
“Transporting everyone and getting them to the same venue is one of the biggest challenges we have, yet we need to be together and do things collectively,” said Goosen.
Yolandi Mentoor, mother to Aldren, 21, who has cerebral palsy, told the Dispatch the party was a highlight of the year for them.
“Thank you to all the companies who played a role so that we can be here allowing our kids to have fun, and also for making it possible for us not to go home empty-handed,” Yolandi said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos