Red Cross thanks people of Cape Town
The runners and walkers of Cape Town have been thanked for once again supporting the patients of the Red Cross Children’s Hospital. The facility received a massive donation of toys and teddy bears last week (Friday), which was collected at an annual fun run/walk and half marathon event that took place recently.
The Landmarks Challenge, arranged by the Western Province Cricket Club in association with the Sports Science Institute of SA and other sponsors, sees runners and walkers explore a scenic route across the southern suburbs of the city. Participants in the half marathon and the 6km interschools fun run/walk events are also invited to bring stuffed toys and teddy bears along on the day, which are collected for Red Cross.
David Stephens, executive director of the Friends of the Children’s Hospital Association, says the toys will make a massive difference to the children being treated at the facility and he is deeply grateful to everyone who donated toys this year.
“Ever since Friends of the Children’s Hospital Association started 38 years ago, our aim has been to reduce the anxiety of the hospital’s patients as well as their parents. Being in a hospital is certainly not a natural place to be for a child, but we have seen that being able to give a soft toy to the children helps deal with their anxiety. They can definitely feel the love of the people of Cape Town who donated the toys. The toys become their comfort, their buddies and their support.”
The toys were collected on the day of the Landmarks Challenge with the assistance of ADT Security, who parked two of their vehicles along the route as drop-off points for the donations.
The company’s District Manager for Cape Town South Mr Jade Hanning describes the Landmarks Challenge and the interschools as fantastic events, for more than just one reason.
“Not only do you get the chance to run through some of the most beautiful landmarks of the Mother City on the day, but you also get the chance to put a smile on the faces of the kids at Red Cross. When you see those smiles, you cannot help but become involved in this event in whatever way you can.”
[Attached picture shows some of the toys collected on the day of Landmarks Challenge, at Western Province Cricket Club Sunday 30 October, with Race director Ted Vickery.]