Spreading warmth this Mandela Day

In the lead up to Mandela Day on 18^th July, there is an opportunity to focus our efforts to ensure our most vulnerable citizens can feel some “Madiba warmth” this winter. 

As we know, COVID-19 does not discriminate. It affects us all, even more so the vulnerable persons in society with patients in public health facilities and intermediate facilities representative of the most vulnerable.

This winter, many patients will spend a number of days (or weeks) hospitalised due to the Coronavirus and away from loved ones and support structures. Many arrive in facilities without the basic necessities so many of us take for granted. 

Patients admitted to the Hospital of Hope intermediate care facilities, CTICC and Brackengate, are especially in need of your warm touch.  These temporary facilities are clinical in nature and patients could do with a warm embrace through a care package.

You can help by preparing care packages for these patients.  Some of the highly sought-after items are:

• Blankets (fleece blankets)
• Socks
• Toiletries
• Warm clothing
• Cloth masks for patients to take home after their stay

And anything else to make the space more healing and warmer that will NOT increase infection risk or burden on already over-burdened staff.

Also, include a homemade card or note, poem or drawing to inspire our fellow South Africans during their recovery.

Individuals and companies wanting to get involved, please contact Harry Grainger at The Health Foundation for more information on how to donate: 021 418 1580 / 072 6133 719
 

You can also drop off your care packs. Carefully label it with “Spreading Warmth” and your name and drop it off at:

• The Health Foundation offices (16^th Floor Norton Rose House, 8 Riebeek Street, Cape Town)

Help spread the warmth this winter so that everyone can stay safe and save lives.

-END-

Voice clips: Marika Champion, Director: Communications, Western Cape Government Health

Sound clip (English):

mandela_day_english.mp3

Sound clip (Afrikaans):

mandela_day_afrikaans.mp3

Additional information:

For financial contributions:

Account name:           The Health Foundation of South Africa

Account number:        1021539813

Branch name:              198765 (Nedbank Universal code)

Swift address:               NEDSZAJJ

Reference:                  Spreading Warmth

The Health Foundation:

NPC Reg. No. 2011/128044/08

NPO No. 168-875

PBO No. 930046175

VAT Reg. No. 4550274486