[WATCH] Groote Schuur Hospital spreads festive cheer

The scene was set for jubilance at Groote Schuur Hospital, in Observatory, when 850 in-patients were treated to grocery hampers and entertainment on Wednesday.

Nursing staff played the roles of Santa and his reindeer, when they travelled from ward to ward, to distribute the gift bags. They were accompanied by a festive season brass band, known as the St Timothy’s Christmas Band, who filled the corridors with the sounds of Christmas carols. This was in addition to the hospital’s very own choir.

We are at Groote Schuur Hospital in Observatory where staffers are spreading festive cheer by distributing Christmas hampers to the hospital’s 850 patients. The St Timothy’s Christmas Band is marching from ward to ward. : Lizell Persens pic.twitter.com/xdaYFSAwlb

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“FATHER CHRISTMAS CAME”

Diego April (28) was admitted to the neurology unit 8 weeks ago. The fashion designer hails from Atlantis. He says the kind and thoughtful gesture has made him reminisce about his childhood:

“Father Christmas definitely came today. He may not have come via the chimney, but he came down the ward. I am truly grateful,” says April.

Diego April jokingly added that he is guarding his hamper with his life, because he is grateful. Image by Lizell Persens

HOW IT WAS MADE POSSIBLE

The initiative was made possible by the Groote Schuur Hospital Facility Board. Chairperson Hassen Kajie and his team worked tirelessly to make this possible. Kajie, who doubles as a chartered accountant, said it is an honour to be a part of the board.

Hassen Kajie is at the helm of the Groote Schuur Facility Board. Image by Lizell Persens

“We want to put a smile on the face of every patient that is sick in hospital. It is the festive season and we all are happy. We all spend this time with our families. Unfortunately these people are very sick and they can’t be with their families, and to make them a bit happier we decided to present each patient with a hamper of goodies,” says Kajie.

Each hamper is packed to the brim with toiletries, rice, sugar, chips, cold drink, sweets and other treats.

Viola Philander (75) from Crawford, has been bedridden since she was admitted last month. She was worried she would not make it to the shops in time for Christmas, and her hamper has restored her faith in humanity.

“It is very nice, especially because I love my biscuits and my sweets. I’ve got a sweet tooth, so I will enjoy it because I normally buy biscuits for me. My brother is coming later so I am going to tell him he can take it home with him, but he can only have the cold drink. He must leave the rest for me, so that I can have it when I get discharged,” concludes Philander.