On 24 November, Christmas came a whole month earlier for 50 learners of Berzelia Primary in Protea Park, Atlantis. In the spirit of the festive season, Dr Priya Parbhoo, an adult cardiologist at Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital, and her medical secretary, Gail Maddocks, decided to host a “Santa’s Gift Bag” and Christmas lunch as a way of giving back to the community.
The aim was simple: to bring joy and hope to children living in poverty. For this year’s outreach, Berzelia Primary School in Atlantis was selected, and one of the teachers, Alma Herdien, identified 50 learners whose festive season was about to become a little brighter. Generous support from Bata Shoes and Falke provided school shoes and socks for every child, while the secretaries of Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital and Intercare Blaauwberg lovingly prepared personalised Christmas gift bags. Three branches of Pick n Pay also contributed generously to the Christmas lunch, which included hotdogs, cupcakes, doughnuts and cooldrinks.
‘Our message to the Atlantis community is that there is hope, and people truly care. Each year, the initiative will select a different school, orphanage or old-age home to support. Organisations are welcome to reach out if they wish to be considered for future projects,’ said Maddocks.
PHOTO: KEITH LINDEROTH
