Pupils help sick children
The East London Port Rex Lions joined grade 6 pupils from Stirling Primary School to donate toys, beanies and toiletries to paediatric patients at Frere Hospital recently.
Port Rex Lions president Diana Sierra said the pupils raised more than R7,000 in a South African National Blood Service (SANBS) competition run at the school.
Each class received a sum of money if they managed to get people to donate blood.
In the end, the grade 6 class had the highest number of donors.
The pupils then donated the money to the Port Rex Lions.
A number of fluffy “comfort” toys, as well as packs of cleansing and pamper products were donated on the day.
“The visit is a quarterly event on our calendar.
“The donation by the grade 6 pupils made it possible to purchase gifts and snacks for the patients,” Sierra said.
She said the donation from the pupils was an inspiration on its own.
“These admirable youngsters not only participated in the drive for blood but they also went on to make a difference to fellow children by donating their winnings in a way that they felt passionate about,” she said.
She added that the visit was led by Frere Hospital CEO Dr Rolene Wagner, who assisted them. Wagner welcomed the donation. “Frere management and staff welcome the donation of beanies and toys for the Frere paediatric patients.
“It is always heart-warming when the community comes forward and tries to make a difference to the children at a time when they are so vulnerable.
“It is even more touching when the donation comes through the efforts of these young children from Stirling.
“This exercise teaches them the importance of understanding their relative privilege and to give generously to others,” she said.