Everyone shared in the festivities and moms were treated to cake and tea. For a morning the children could forget about their cares, enjoy the special treats (including delicious hamburgers) and receiving brand-new school satchels.
Father Christmas (Dr Joseph Alt) was seen giving warm hugs and kisses to the young patients, while staff members shared in the heart-warming cheer.
Describing the Christmas party, the party co-ordinator Dr Chris-Mari Botes and her head, Dr Zilla North said, "These are children and parents of George and Thembalethu treated at the George ARV Clinic that have worked hard the entire year. They diligently kept appointments, concentrating on taking their ARV drugs punctually, and often undergoing painful procedures like having blood taken to aid in receiving the correct treatment after being diagnosed positive for HIV/Aids. We wanted to show our appreciation of their co-operation by treating them to something special and leave them with fond memories of the clinic before the Christmas period."
The compassion that staff showed towards their young patients was almost palpable on Friday. Going to great lengths to hold an enjoyable Christmas occasion each year, is just one way of demonstrating their caring attitude. The sponsors of the event were thanked for their generosity. 240 children from George/Thembalethu and 1300 adults are treated monthly and bi-monthly at the ARV Clinic at Harry Comay.
.jpg)
Ready to roar into action, local Harley Davidson Club members (from left) Mark Groenewalt and Dirk Coetzee. With them are Dr Joseph Alt dressed as Father Christmas, Harry Comay Hospital matron Linda Geweld and Peter Geweld.
.jpg)
Harry Comay Hospital staffers giving a helping hand with the handing out of school satchels on Friday at the Christmas party for patients. From the left are Sicelo Qinela (counsellor), Alton Mumba (pharmaceutical assistant), Dr Zilla North and Dr Chris-Mari Botes.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY PAULINE LOURENS
