Looking to conquer more than just the ocean, a group of swimmers will plunge into compassion from Robben Island to Big Bay in support of vulnerable children.
Cape Town, South Africa (15 October 2024) – Twelve brave and determined swimmers from the Geriatrics Water Polo Club will take on the chilly Atlantic Ocean to swim from Robben Island to Big Bay to raise funds for the Child Protection Project at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
Their goal and motivation: to raise at least R5,000 through generous sponsorships and support.
According to the Donor Relations Manager for Legacy and Community Fundraising, Pauline Solomons, the Children’s Hospital Trust has proudly supported the hospital’s key needs for 30 years, and 100% of all donations from this event will go directly to the Child Protection Project.
“This vital initiative helps safeguard vulnerable children from abuse, neglect, and violence, providing them with early intervention and care,” Solomons explains.
In South Africa, a disheartening statistic reveals that one in three children will experience violence or maltreatment before the age of 18.
The lasting effects of such trauma can be devastating, often leading to mental health challenges and substance abuse later in life.
Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital serves as a lifeline for these children, but it faces challenges in providing comprehensive care as not all staff have the specialised training needed to address child protection issues comprehensively.
Solomons shared that the Child Protection Project is working to bridge this gap by providing a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to caring for abused and neglected children.
Recent upgrades to the hospital have created a more nurturing and safer environment, but continued training is essential to equip medical professionals and child protection authorities with the skills needed to identify and respond to suspected cases of abuse.
“We are deeply grateful to Ray McCallum and the Geriatrics Water Polo Club for their compassion and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children and their families,” thanks Solomons.
To make a contribution or for more information, contact Pauline at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital here.
Sources: The Children’s Hospital Trust
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 