Easter Comes Early to Red Cross Children’s Hospital

The Easter Bunny took time out from his very busy schedule ahead of Easter to hop in for a special stop at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital on 2 April 2015 during the hospital’s annual Easter parade.

The event is one of two annual parades held at the hospital that are designed to include hospitalised children in festivities they would ordinarily miss out on and to spread some joy at times which would be tough for children and their families to spend in hospital. The Easter parade is traditionally held on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.

The parade started at 10:30 with the arrival of the Easter Bunnies, specially transported by City Slickers Limousines.

“I always look forward to visiting Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and participating in the parade. Nothing gives me more joy than seeing the smiles on the faces of those patients. It warms my heart and sets the tone for the rest of my Easter weekend,” said the Easter Bunny with a twinkle in his eye.

While the Easter Bunnies – together with Barney, volunteers dressed as clowns and Jabulani Entertainers from Reach for a Dream (using magic, balloons, juggling and above all bringing smiles to hospital patients) – ensured for festivities in the wards, the fun-filled parade continued outside. The crowd was kept entertained by various activities including an animal petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, a puppet show, dance acts, magic tricks, musical items and the usual egg handovers.

The Easter Parade is one of the most looked forward to events on the hospital’s calendar and it is enjoyed by patients, visitors and staff alike.

“We would like to thank all our partners for their involvement – their generosity is overwhelming. Through these generous donations, the Friends of the Children’s Hospital Association were able to ensure that every patient received an Easter treat and helped us make Easter a memorable time for patients at the hospital. Without the generosity of our partners and donors, the Easter Parade would not be possible,” said Angelique Jordaan, Communications Officer at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.