VICTORIA HOSPITAL PAEDIATRICS WARD
Christmas, when viewed beyond religious boundaries, is a celebration of life; a time for reflection; counting one’s blessings; and of course a time for giving.
Inspired by the KFM 94.7 Christmas Drive, Brendon Shields and Jon Evans initiated and drove the False Bay RFC/VOB Running Club version of a gift collection for lesser privileged folks.
Shieldsy, a budding graphic designer, whipped up a poster which he sneakily printed at his office and posted around the clubhouse and at other strategic venues. With the subtle, yet determined Jon Evans constantly reminding members and other patrons of the club, a number of presents were collected and prepared for delivery to deserving recipients. Both the rugby and running club members contributed despite the time constraints and limited marketing. The bulk of the gifts, however, was collected at a school concert held at False Bay recently.
In keeping with the local theme, and also in recognition of the help Victoria Hospital has extended to our players through the years, the Paediatric Ward was identified as the target of Santa Claus, who we hear was a prop in his day.
Each present was neatly wrapped and, with foresight, marked with age and gender for easy identification of its hitherto unidentified recipient. These, together with piles of cooldrinks and chips, filled the back of someone’s bakkie, and the merry band of kind hearted bearers of happiness and good tidings set off for Victoria Hospital, with cameraman Slab Williams in tow.
The nurses and doctors, initially perplexed that a bunch of self-indulged rugger buggers would want to give back to their community, were ecstatic and touched by the gesture. These professionals and caregivers deserve special mention in one’s prayers for the wonderful work they do.
With Santa, displaying a remarkable resemblance to Brendon Shields, at the vanguard, the Christmas Crusaders from Constantia headed towards the Paediatrics ward, gifts and snacks aplenty. Within a flash Santa was encircled with happy, smiling children, one on each arm and others tugging at his portly waistline. “It’s so nice to see the kids laugh and smile”, said one nurse tearfully. “That hasn’t happened in weeks”.
The pleasure of giving was personally experienced by a few this morning at Victoria Hospital Paediatric Ward. Those donations, given with kindness and selfless warmth, went a far way to making this Christmas just that little bit better for a few unfortunate young patients at the hospital.
One does not have to be a part of that group to savour the pleasure of the knowledge that a little happiness was brought into a few lives by False Bay RFC and VOB.
Well done guys. You’ve touched us and made us proud.
