Camp brings hope to sick children
The children had an opportunity to enjoy a worry-free getaway.
CHILDREN with serious health challenges were given an opportunity to spend an amazing life-changing adventure at a camp organised by the Just Footprints Foundation.
The Port Shepstone Rotary Club had an opportunity to host the group of campers. The day was filled with fun and games. Children were also taken to Dezzi’s Raceway were they were treated to a ride. Lunch was served, especially prepared by the Rotarians, who later provided dinner as well.
Just Footprints Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation which was founded in 2008, to meet the need for a unique outdoor educational camping experience that would provide safe and secure adventures, at no cost, for children with serious health and life challenges.
The founding members of the Just Footprints Foundation are Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC), The Reach For A Dream Foundation (children with life-threatening illnesses), Cotlands (children infected with/affected by HIV) and the Hope (Ithemba) Trust (special needs children).
These four experienced NPOs have secure relationships with key medical communities and other charitable organisations. All parties have specific interests and expertise in the psycho-social well-being of children whose young lives have been interrupted by illness or traumatic life circumstances.
“The Just Footprints Foundation’s objective is to provide these children, who have been denied normal childhood play, with a camp experience that they would otherwise have to forgo because of the challenges they face,” said Lindy Nieuwenhuizen, Just Footprints Foundation director.
“Our campers are encouraged to be fearless, to escape, fantasise and be joyful children once again. The children are identified from the four founding partners and other associated organisations and include children diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders, other life-threatening illnesses and infected with or affected by HIV. Intellectually challenged and physically disabled children have also attended our camps,” said Lindy.
Each camper receives a Camp Footprints T-shirt, peak, bandana, water bottle and a goodie bag filled with treats and toiletries.
To date, the Just Footprints Foundation has hosted 38 camps for just over 1865 children with cancer-related illnesses or infected with or affected by HIV, muscular dystrophy, intellectual and physical disabilities in Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal and in the Western Cape.
