Pre-schoolers fundraise for Choc

PUPILS and staff of a pre-primary school in Toti are working together to raise awareness of and funds for children with cancer, by lending a hand to the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa (CHOC).

To kickstart the fundraiser, Little Star Educare Centre based at the Catholic Church in Riverside Road will host an event at the school on Wednesday, 14 October. “We are selling bandanas to the children at R15 each and will spray their hair in funky colours at R5 each,” said teacher, Debbie Bell.

A similar event takes place at Seadoone Mall on Saturday, 31 October between 8.30am and 1pm. “The public can buy bandanas at R15 each and also have their hair sprayed at R15 each. We are also looking for donations of colour hair spray,” said Debbie.

At the mall event, the community can also drop off grocery items they would use in their own homes. The grocery collection drive will continue until Friday, 30 October at the school, where the public can drop off items between 7am and noon.

“CHOC Durban is privileged to have friends who help us to provide support for children with cancer. We are a nationwide non-governmental organisation which offers support to parents and children who have been diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders. We provide a CHOC Lodge that is gratis to the caregiver and child,” said regional manager of CHOC KZN, Agie Govender.

The Choc Lodge has 14 rooms with 24 beds. The rooms either accommodate two mothers or a mother and a child to minimise infection for children who have low immunity.

The moms and children are also provided with three nutritious meals a day and unlimited coffee and tea. They also have access to TVs so they can relax, and a laundry where their bedding is washed daily. They can do their own laundry and all the necessary cleaning agents are provided. Funds raised provide for all activities for the children in the lodge.

If anyone is able to assist the school in its fundraising initiative, call Debbie on 076-359-2179.