Here’s lookin’ at you, kid
The players visited sick kids at Red Cross Children’s Hospital
ALL SMILES: Stormers flanker Sikhumbuzo Notshe holds Limile Tsodo who was born with kidney dysplasia and has spent most of his life in and out of Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. The Stormers delivered Easter cheer to the patients and staff yesterday.
THE DHL Stormers spread some Easter cheer when they visited children at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. The team yesterday visited various wards, spending time with the children, handing out Easter bunnies and a puzzle of the DHL Stormers for the kids to put together.
“We’re just here with the DHL Stormers today to come and support the kids, to see how they’re doing and surprise them with gifts.
“It is something we do every year, and something we take pride in,” said Stormers captain Siya Kolisi.
“It is always nice to have someone come and visit whenever you’re in the hospital to see how you’re doing, and that is something we want to do for them.
“We want to bring out that light in their eyes and spend some time with them.
“Just seeing the smile on the kids’ faces and for us to get to meet them, it also makes our day when we put a smile on someone’s face.”
Chantel Cooper, head of fund-raising at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Trust, said they were grateful that the players came to visit because it has a positive impact on the patients.
“From a personal perspective, I was in the burns ward and the smiles on the faces will remain in my memory for a long time because there were quite a few older children in the ward today and they recognised the Stormers players, so it creates a memory for them, which is absolutely fantastic.”
“It brought a smile to the staff’s faces as well because they work really hard long hours and give so much in terms of the care to the children, so it was a nice opportunity for them to just take a few minutes away to get a picture with the players.
“I think it is a mutually beneficial visit because it is not just about the children, but also about the players getting something out of the experience too.”
Cooper said she understood it wasn’t always easy for someone to take time and spend it in the hospital, but that it was a wonderful experience to have the team around.
“For all the players who came it was incredible and we are very grateful.”