The City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service donated over R45,000 to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital burn unit on Thursday.
In 2009, City firefighters initiated fundraising efforts for the burns unit at the hospital.
By 2012, they expanded this initiative, primarily raising funds during the annual firefighter’s ball, with contributions from ticket sales and donations from the Llandudno Community.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, praised the firefighters’ dedication, highlighting their commitment to saving lives and their heartfelt involvement beyond their duty.
Leading the project are Assistant Chief Arlene Wehr from District West and Station Commander Mark Adams from the Training Academy.
The burns unit at the Red Cross Children’s War Memorial Hospital receives numerous patients, many travelling long distances for treatment. Burns is ranked as the third leading cause of injury-related deaths in children.
Annually, the hospital admits 800 to 1,000 children to its specialized burns ward, with an additional 4,000 to 5,000 outpatient visits.
“Children from remote areas move from multiple health facilities with some having extended waiting time on ambulances before accessing the specialised care they urgently require at the Red Cross Children’s War Memorial Hospital. This not only delays crucial treatment, heightening infection risks and prolonging recovery periods, but also places undue strain on families already grappling with immense challenges.” Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Hospital Trust, Chantel Cooper
Cooper adds that the Burns Project, wants to strengthen burns services for children in the province to ensure earlier intervention which will improve overall outcomes, and reduce the burden on families who don’t live near Cape Town.
“We are grateful to donors such as the City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Services for believing and supporting our cause”
Last year, the City’s Mayoral fund contributed R750,000 to support the Red Cross Hospital’s efforts.
