CHOC lodge underway with donation from the Big Walk

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

CHOC lodge underway with donation from the Big Walk

Plans to provide accommodation for the parents of children being treated for cancer in Port Elizabeth have been given a R125 000 boost by the Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk.

The funds were handed over to CHOC (The Childhood Cancer Foundation in Port Elizabeth) at a ceremony in the paediatric oncology wards at Dora Nginza Hospital on Wednesday, 20 February 2013.

It was raised from the participation of almost 6 000 participants in the 2012 Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk which took place on Saturday, 27 October.

“The proceeds will be used to help us get our CHOC lodge off the ground”, says Charmaine Vosloo, Branch Manager of CHOC.

Last year CHOC celebrated the opening of a six-bed children’s ward in the Dora Nginza Hospital. There is also an isolation room for one child and a toy room. Opposite the ward there are two doctors’ consultation rooms, a procedure room plus a CHOC office.

The ward serves approximately 115 children from towns that include: Despatch, Clarkson, Patensie, Graaff Reinet, Jeffreys Bay, Alicedale, Grahamstown, Somerset and many more. Until June last year the children were only treated on an out – patient basis. Now children can be admitted into the ward.
“These funds will not only help us attain the vital medical equipment we still require for the ward, but also help us with our ultimate goal which is to open a CHOC lodge for the parents of the children being treated here at Dora Nginza Hospital”.
“When we select our beneficiaries we always look for organisations who will be able to plough back the funds with tangible results that consequently have a long term positive effect on the community”, says Dave Tiltmann, Managing Director of Algoa FM.

“Discovery is proud to be associated with CHOC and support its initiatives in the communities of the Eastern Cape. This forms part of our organisation’s ethos to touch peoples’ lives in meaningful ways by driving positive change and being a force for the greater good of society. We are excited to witness this event continue to grow and contribute more funds to CHOC through platforms such as the Discovery Algoa FM Big Walk that encourages people to be live healthier and active lifestyles”, says Jody Foster, Head of Sponsorships for Discovery.