ROSA-KAROO LOEWE
The Eyabantwana Children’s Trust has initiated its Christmas gift drop, calling on the East London community to help bring festive cheer to children at Frere and Cecilia Makiwane hospitals.
Already four schools and businesses have volunteered as donation sites for toys, storybooks and gifts for young patients who will spend the holiday in the paediatric surgery wards.
“For children spending the festive season in a hospital bed, the holiday magic can feel distant,” Eyabantwana public relations and administration officer Trystan Viaene said.
“A small gift can make an immense difference, lifting their spirits and creating a moment of normalcy.
“This year we aim to reach even more young patients with the support of our community.”
The nonprofit organisation was established in 2013 as a support network to the paediatric surgery departments.
It also raises funds annually to purchase essential surgical equipment.
Paediatrician surgeons estimate that 60 children a year in East London, Mdantsane and surrounding rural areas are severely burnt by live electrical wires.
Every year, the paediatric surgery team operates on 1,100 children, and more than 300 are burn victims, of which about 200 have suffered major burns, Prof Milind Chitnis, head of paediatric surgery at both hospitals, said.
Viaene said: “To ensure the safety and enjoyment of every child, we ask for donations that are clean, safe and in good working order.
“We welcome toys and books suitable for children from neonatal age up to 12 years old. Please avoid battery-operated items or anything damaged or broken.
“All donated gifts will be lovingly wrapped and delivered to ward G7 at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, as well as wards B4 and B8 (burns ward) at Frere Hospital.”
Drop-off areas are Merrifield Preparatory School and College in Beacon Bay, Clark Laing Inc and the Bike Yard in Berea, and S Haynes & Associates in Vincent.
The deadline for donations is November 30.
Married couple Nadine and Steve Heynes of S Haynes & Associates have collected 180 children’s books to donate. Steve, who is also a trustee for Eyabantwana, said: “Charity has always been a part of our corporate culture.
“We have a large drop box at our entrance for all staff and clients to see.
“We hope to give these children a little bit of joy during the Christmas season.”
Michelle Powell of Bike Yard said: “My daughter and I have gone through her toys and books that she has outgrown and have donated a few items.
“Eyabantwana does amazing work for our community, so it is a privilege for us be a drop-off location.
“I hope that each gift will bring some happiness and excitement to the children who are going through surgery during the Christmas holiday season,” Powell said.
The trust also announced Spargs Group as the new title sponsor of the Border 1000 Cycle Race, now officially renamed the Spargs 1000 Cycle Race fundraiser, which will take place on February 2 2025 and will include a 100km route from Thomas River to Spargs Beacon Bay, as well as family-friendly options.
Viaene said: “This year’s edition introduces officially recorded district rankings for competitive cyclists, thanks to Cycling SA’s sanctioning.
“Riders can also look forward to fun categories, including mountain bikes, e-bikes, and tri-bikes, bringing inclusivity and variety to the course.”
For inquiries, contact Trystan Viaene at 071-888-8833 or via email at admin@eyabantwana.co.za. — Dispatch Live
