HOUGHTON – This month, HospiceWits Soweto opened its newly refurbished paediatric ward to the sound of drums and trumpets.
The project, that will touch the lives of many children, was kickstarted by St John’s College Grade 12 pupil Alex Kuttschreuter.
HospiceWits’ Julie McLeod said, “Just over three years ago, Kuttschreuter’s mother passed away in hospice care at our Houghton branch, and in response to our love and support, he decided to do something for HospiceWits.”
Initially uncertain about what he would do, he found guidance from HospiceWits’ head of psychosocial department, Cameron Hogg, who told him that the Soweto children’s ward was unsuitable for children.
Kuttschreuter decided then to raise funds to refurbish the drab, stark ward.
The pupil took his idea to his Afrikaans teacher, and soon found his cause supported by the whole school, in the form of a Cancer Awareness Day. Pupils from grades one to 12 wore pink, and even the 1st rugby team played matches wearing pink socks.
The initiative raised R20 000 and got the ball rolling.
The college’s sister school, St Mary’s School for Girls, also came on board and raised R6 000 for the project.
The project was then brought to completion with help from additional donors.
“We are very proud of our new ward. It is magical and was exquisitely painted floor to ceiling. Every inch speaks of life and beauty, and allows for healing and love. We could not be more grateful that St John’s and St Mary’s chose us as their community project,” said McLeod.
Details: 011 483 9100; www.hospicewits.co.za
