Choc celebrates solar energy donation boosting support for childhood cancer patients

Dozens of Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (Choc) supporters gathered at their Plumstead House in Firfield Road on Tuesday 21 May during a rainy thanksgiving ceremony honouring donations that secured solar renewable energy to two of their homes.

“Thanks to remarkable funding from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), our Plumstead and Sybrand Park Choc Houses have received solar valued at R446 000,” Choc CEO Hedley Lewis announced to attendees.

The investment further enables Choc to effectively deliver on their programmes maintaining hygiene, safety, and nutritional care, reducing fears and anxieties experienced by beneficiaries during load shedding.

Certificates of appreciation were also given to individual supporters and organisations, including local supporters from Bergvliet, Tokai and Fish Hoek Lions Clubs present at the ceremony.PHOTOS: Heleen Boshoff

NLC’s Western Cape provincial manager, Marcelle Musson, said every time someone “Tata Ma Chance”, they may not always win a jackpot, but every player contributes to organisations like Choc.

During Choc’s thanksgiving ceremony in Plumstead last week, this mother, Notholakele Nobatha (middle), shared their family testimony as to how Choc supported their trials with childhood cancer faced by her 15-year-old son Senzo (right) with the support of the older brother Aphumle (left).

Thanks to funding from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) Choc’s Plumstead and Sybrand Park Houses have received solar power valued at R446 000.PHOTO: Supplied

Home-away-from-home

Choc’s accommodation facilities are a home-away-from-home where children and teenagers who are undergoing treatment for childhood cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder can come and stay with their parents or caregivers.

These houses provide families with access to healthcare facilities for treatment which would not have been possible due to distance or financial difficulties.

“The money which will be saved from this system will be utilised within the house, bringing down our monthly maintenance costs,” noted Lewis.

Their accommodation facilities provide a therapeutic environment that helps patients and parents/caregivers maintain a positive attitude during the cancer journey. All meals are provided, as well as transport to and from the hospitals.

Choc ensures its beneficiaries a clean and safe environment with caring and understanding staff, a place where new friendships are formed.

Choc’s Western Cape Regional Manager Lynette Muthuray said:

“These seem like small items but they play a big role when we want to make their stay as comfortable as possible, providing a home away from home,” she said.

Celebration

Also at the event, NLC’s Western Cape provincial manager Marcelle Musson said it was indeed a day of celebration:

“We’re celebrating the impact that Choc makes in thousands of people’s lives going through difficult stages facing childhood cancer. This contribution would not have been possible without people who ‘Tata Ma Chance’ by playing the Lotto.”

Musson highlighted that by playing the lotto, “you don’t always win that jackpot by playing, but you always contribute to initiatives we support, just like Choc.”

Certificates of appreciation were also granted to individual supporters and organisations, including three local supporters present at the ceremony, like Sandy Roman from the Catholic Women’s League and Lions Club Bergvliet, Gail Darling from Lions Club Tokai, as well as Ingrid Russell from Fish Hoek Deep South Lions Club.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your commitment to our cause fuels our determination to create a brighter, healthier future for every child battling cancer,” Lewis expressed in closing.

“Together, we can light up lives, one sunbeam at a time.”