Thanks to the heartfelt generosity of theatre lovers and the greater Johannesburg community, a donated collection of books will fill the hospital’s library, providing comfort and entertainment to children undergoing treatment.
Johannesburg, South Africa (29 November 2024) — Joy was in the air, and budding bookworms were inspired as CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, together with Joburg Theatre, celebrated the first official handover of books collected during their festive season on Tuesday, 19 November.
Taking place where hope and childhood wonder are needed most, the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital pediatric ward was filled with excitement as the first collection of books found their new home in the hands of brave children and teenagers undergoing cancer treatment.
A day was filled with heartwarming moments; the Joburg Theatre team and CHOC toured the hospital’s facilities, spent time reading to children and teens, and shared in the excitement of this special occasion.
“It was a privilege to bring the gift of storytelling to these young patients. Seeing the joy and wonder on their faces as we read to them was truly moving. This is just the beginning of a beautiful journey,” said Antonella Swanepoel, CHOC Business Development Unit Manager.
This initiative is inspired by this year’s Janice Honeyman pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, which celebrates Belle’s love of reading and highlights the transformative power of stories.
Partnering with CHOC for this festive book drive, Joburg Theatre has called on audiences to donate pre-loved children’s and young adult books to fill CHOC’s libraries and bring the magic of books to children and teens facing difficult circumstances.
Prof Gita Naidu, the Chair of SAAPHO and Head of Paediatric Oncology at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, thanked the incredible teams from Joburg Theatre and CHOC and commented on the power of reading to expand vocabulary, improve communication and transport children to extraordinary worlds.
“For children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses, lengthy hospital stays can be daunting and isolating. In such moments, reading becomes a beacon of hope, providing comfort and distraction, and helping to create a semblance of normalcy amid an experience that can otherwise feel overwhelmingly surreal.
Your generous support will profoundly enrich the lives of all the young patients in our care, offering them a welcome escape and a chance to dream. Thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness”.
Stories have the power to heal, inspire, and uplift, and Antonella reiterates the honour of getting to share this gift with brave young children and teenagers undergoing cancer treatment.
This incredible first handover is just the beginning. The book drive continues throughout the pantomime season, with a second handover planned for January 2025. Donations are still being accepted at Joburg Theatre’s reading corner or box office.
Let’s come together this festive season to fill CHOC’s libraries with stories that inspire, uplift, and bring joy. A single book can make a world of difference to a young reader.
For more information, visit www.choc.org.za or call 086 111 3500.
Sources: CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA
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