14 526 meals for hungry children

GEORGE NEWS - In recognition of World Food Day on 16 October, Mediclinic George and Geneva, together with ER24, partnered with external practices including Pathcare, Cancercare, Garden Route Radiology and Dr Bezuidenhout's staff to package 14 526 meals for hungry children aged one to six.

Getting together at Mediclinic's side entrance on Tuesday 17 October to pack the meals, they surpassed their target of 10 000.

The effort was in collaboration with Rise Against Hunger (RAH) and their focus was on early childhood development centres (ECDs).

The meals packed were centred on feeding children during their most critical development years and were accompanied by an educational element for the facilities as well.

"We are so pleased with the outcome of this event," said general manager of Mediclinic George, Kassie Karstens. "Our staff have really worked together for a great outcome. Thank you to our partners across the business for making this volunteer initiative possible."

He said the staff nominated local beneficiaries to receive donations on the day. These were George Night Shelter, Options Care Centre, JJ Watson old age home, Emmaüs, Bethesda, George Association for the Physically Disabled, Phambili Women’s Shelter, Life Community Services, Safe and Sound, as well as Rosemoor Home for the Aged."

Bob Govender, industry affairs executive for Mediclinic Southern Africa, said feeding schemes such as those supported by Rise Against Hunger have a threefold impact on the children: enhancing children's active learning capacity, alleviating short-term hunger, and providing an incentive for children to attend school.

Nationally, Mediclinic and ER24 together with Rise Against Hunger (RAH) packed more than 130 000 meals.

Andrew Coutts and Brandon Claassen enjoying to do good for children.