The Research Centre for Adolescent and Child Health (REACH) based at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital held their annual end-of-year party for their patients at the hospital on 25 October 2016.
Although the hospital annually hosts a Christmas Parade in December where each child within the hospital receives a gift, the outpatient clinics also host individual end-of-year or Christmas parties to cater for the patients who attend their clinics throughout the year.
The party catered for 450 children – all of which are patients who are involved in the research being done at the centre – and 300 carers/parents.
The party was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone that attended, but would not have been possible without the generosity of various donors. Excellent Meat International, owned by a husband of a staff member from the REACH UNIT, sponsored burgers, cool drink, goodie bags, face painting and a balloon shaping artist, while additional entertainment was sponsored by the Skyscrapers, South Africa’s youngest indie-pop band.
For sick children who spend time in hospital, being able to enjoy something that takes their mind off their condition and allows them to be a child, is a very special gift.