WHILE many NPOs wind down during the final chapter of the year, the Seva Bhakti Foundation (SBF) ramped up, celebrating Christmas in the wards of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central and Prince Myisheni Memorial hospitals to hand out hope to children that would spend Christmas fighting for their lives.

Also read: Blood donors save lives before the holidays

SBF’s Mandy Govender said that the NPO’s hospital christmas drive was one of the most emotionally challenging initiatives undertaken by the Foundation.

“Walking through the wards was heartbreaking. Among the children were newborn babies diagnosed with cancer, infants and young children battling terminal illnesses, and mothers sitting silently beside hospital beds, holding onto hope with everything they had. For these families, Christmas was not about celebration, it was about survival,” said Mandy.

The organisation’s hospital drives have been an annual staple since 2018 and despite years to get used to the emotional weight, Mandy explains that each visit remains heart-wrenching.

“During this outreach, the foundation distributed close to 200 teddy bears, along with toiletry packs and party packs, to children in the wards. One hundred teddy bears were newly purchased, while many others were pre-loved bears generously donated by the community. Each teddy bear became more than a gift, it became a source of comfort, a companion through long hospital nights, and a furry friend that would remain by their side during the most difficult moments of their young lives,” said Mandy.

In addition, every mother present received a chain engraved with a message of hope, reassuring them that they are not alone.

“A smile from a child clutching their teddy bear, a soft laugh sparked by a party pack, and whispered words of gratitude from mothers reminded us why this work matters. This Hospital Christmas Drive was made possible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and supporters who chose to give during a time when many were celebrating. The Seva Bhakti Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed towards this drive and helped make it a success,” said Mandy.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.