Institute celebrates 90 years

JOBURG – The Children’s Memorial Institute, formerly the Transvaal Memorial Hospital for Children celebrated its 90th anniversary, hosted by radio personality David O’Sullivan at the institute’s building in Parktown.

In the 1920s, the National Council of Women raised the funds for the construction of the building and equipment, in commemoration of the men of the Transvaal who died in World War I. It opened its doors in 1923 as the first children’s hospital on the subcontinent.

Board member of the institute Prof Lorna Jacklin said the institute had remained true to its original purpose “which is to serve the needs of challenged children in the city”.

For more than 50 years the building also served Wits University as the paediatric teaching hospital. It now houses more than 30 NGOs which cover medical, social, psychological, legal and educational needs of children from challenging backgrounds.

The organisation appealed to members of the public who could assist in fulfilling its objectives by making a donation.

Details: Barry Dawes 011-484-8888, 082-531-2865