This December, the community spirit is warm in Amanzimtoti as Wheels on Waves teams up with The MEG Foundation to ensure every hospitalised child receives a comforting teddy bear companion.
Amanzimtoti, South Africa (03 December 2025) – For a child facing life-threatening illness or prolonged hospitalisation, a teddy bear is much more than just a stuffed toy – it’s a comforting companion through tough and traumatising health challenges.
This December, the teddies are going to Toti Beach for The MEG Foundation!
Wheels on Waves, the disability awareness and community initiative run by Reece and Wesley Smith in Amanzimtoti, has stood up to help with the Foundation’s Teddy Bear Drive, which aims to bring comfort and smiles to children who are spending the festive season in hospital, as well as children living with impairment in disadvantaged communities.
Wesley shared that when The MEG Foundation reached out, requesting support towards the drive, he and Reece were more than happy to have a designated drop-off point at Wheels on Waves at Amanzimtoti Main Beach.
“I know how important this is. When Reece was born, he had to go for operations immediately at Albert Luthuli Hospital in the orthopaedic paediatric section. Three other children were waiting for operations at the time. My family and friends brought numerous teddy bears for Reece, and the other three children in the ward didn’t have anything,” says Wesley.
Noticing the children’s longing for the teddy bears, he gave each of them one from Reece’s many gifts and saw their faces instantly light up.
“When one of those children returned from their operation, they clung to the teddy bear for comfort. That teddy was a real companion and source of comfort,” recalls Wesley, who said agreeing to help the MEG Foundation was therefore a no-brainer.
With the festive season upon us and Christmas fast approaching, the community is invited to bring a new or pre-loved teddy (clean and in good condition) and help reach a goal of 1,000 teddies for sick children at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital and RK Khan Hospital, as well as disability centres and disadvantaged communities.
Teddies can be dropped off at the Wheels on Waves office on Amanzimtoti Main Beach.
Sources: Wesley Smith / GTG Interview
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