When the curtain rises on this year’s Alberton Eisteddfod, audiences will notice something new alongside the trophies and programme booklets: bright pink collection bins placed at various venues as part of a new partnership with Stepping Stone Hospice.

The Alberton Eisteddfod, one of Gauteng’s longest-running cultural festivals, attracts thousands of entrants each year in more than 20 categories, including poetry, music, drama, art and academic Olympiads.

The festival is open to learners from preschool to matric and welcomes participants from both government and private schools.

Running over several weeks between July and September, the eisteddfod hosts performances and exhibitions at schools and auditoriums across Alberton.

This year, the festival has partnered with Stepping Stone Hospice to support its Children’s Unit, which provides care for young patients with life-limiting illnesses.

Alberton Eisteddfod chairperson Wilna Barkhuizen and committee member Beverley Barkhuizen, and community members attending performances are encouraged to donate diapers, wet wipes and other hygiene products.

Donations can be placed in the pink collection bins at each venue and will be delivered directly to the Hospice.

The eisteddfod is also helping to promote Stepping Stone Hospice’s Brick by Brick campaign, which aims to raise funds to build a new 14-bed Hospice facility that will expand the care available to children and their families.

Parents, teachers and learners are encouraged to bring donations to performances throughout the festival, with every contribution helping to make a difference in the lives of children receiving Hospice care.

For more information about the Alberton Eisteddfod, residents can contact Wilna Barkhuizen on 082 322 3729.

For information about Stepping Stone Hospice’s Brick by Brick campaign, residents can contact 010 442 5059.