Gift of giving and receiving
Women’s Day was filled with excitement for Frere Hospital female patients after they received much-needed toiletries and gift packs from Jessica Blundell of Beacon Bay on Thursday.
Blundell, 25, who is a stock councillor at Auto House Motors BMW, said she collected gift packs from her friends and colleagues.
“I saw an opportunity for me to try and do something to give back. There were a few ladies from where I work who helped put a few things together that I could donate and I made all the gift packs,” she said.
Blundell said it was humbling to see the ladies’ faces light up when she arrived with the gifts.
“After I handed over the gifts, I went to my car and cried. What also hurt me the most was the visiting hours. It was Women’s Day, yet some of the ladies were not with their relatives,” she said.
One of the patients, Zuziwe Mkokeli, said it warmed her heart to see someone coming to share their kindness and support.
“Especially when you are at a place like this, it takes your mind away from the pain for some time. We had a good Women’s Day, we received toiletries, as well as gift packs, and we also had cake,” said Mkokeli.
Frere Hospital CEO Rolene Wagner welcomed the involvement of the local community.
“It’s almost as though Frere is a community hospital. The community has adopted us, they want to share and connect with us.”
“While we handed out the gifts, it reminded us that what binds us together is our humanity and the fact that we are women. It’s very special to help other women and to make contact with them at a time when they are vulnerable. Although it was something small, to them it was something huge that restored their dignity,” she said.
“I love giving to people, so whenever I can and whenever my finances allow me to, I will do what I can. It doesn’t have to be a gift, just give people a smile, hug them and just listen,” said Blundell.