CAPE TIMES FRESH AIR FUND

MORE than 1 000 underprivileged children from across the city will once again spend their school holidays outdoors thanks to the Cape Times Fresh Air Camp.

Since the camp was established in 1919 in Simon’s Town, more than 65 000 children have enjoyed their break from school thanks to contributions from Cape Times readers and former beneficiaries of the camp.

Camp organiser Robin Brown said that during this Easter period, there had been a special treat for 100 children aged between seven and nine, who had come from various underprivileged homes in the city.

“The Cape Times Fresh Air Camp sponsored the children in Simon’s Town and the South African Navy social services, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Vuyelwa Bosilong and her team of co-ordinators, treated the kids to a full Easter in the sun,” Brown said.

He added that the children were selected from underprivileged homes in Red Hill, Masiphumelele and schools in the south peninsula.

“At the camp they are treated to the best of food, warm beds, hot showers and safe surroundings. One of the memorable parts of the camp was a trip on Easter Monday to the Navy sports grounds, where the Navy K9 unit gave a display of how they would tackle criminals,” Brown said.

“The real highlight of the day was a display by the Navy firefighting team, which roared in with sirens and lights going, and quickly had the kids frolicking in the foam.”

The following day the young campers were treated to a trip to Cape Point.

Brown said in spite of the strong south-easter, the kids were able to get to the top of the viewing area. Many of the kids at the camp had never seen the sea before.

The camp was established in Simon’s Town more than 90 years ago by the Cape Times Fresh Air Fund to give underprivileged children an unforgettable holiday at the sea.

“There was a short spell during World War II when the camp was commandeered by the Navy to house the men who manned the guns on the merchant ships and (was) named SAS Afrikander,” said Brown.

“After the war, the camp resumed its role of hosting under1privileged children.”

The Cape Times sponsors eight camps every year, where up to 100 children attend.

If you would like to make a donation, call Deborah Moni at 021 488 4102.

Picture: ROBIN BROWN EXCITEMENT: Children take a foam bath as100 children from underprivileged areas enjoy camp activities at Froggy Pond in Simon’s Town.

ONCE BITTEN: Police dogs and their handlers thrill the children with their display.

FUN DAY: Children await another dose of fun and excitement at Froggy Pond.