A community-driven campaign to raise funds for 29 young cancer patients at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital’s Oncology Unit is gaining momentum, with donated items already delivered to the facility and a final push for support underway ahead of the Friday 16 October cut-off.

The original fundraising target of R50 000 was revised to between R20 000 and R25 000, but the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Watch (VPNHW) remains determined to make a meaningful difference for the children and their families.

VPNHW launched the heartfelt initiative to support children aged six months to 16 years fighting battles no child should face, with many families travelling from far beyond Cape Town so their child can get the necessary treatment.

On a recent hospital visit neighbourhood-watch members witnessed the reality faced by families who must leave their home, work and daily routines to remain by their child’s side during treatment.

“Behind every hospital bed is not only a child fighting for their life, but also a parent who has left everything behind,” said watch chairperson Kevin Perrins.

“Many families must stay near the hospital for extended periods, needing basic necessities like meals, transport and accommodation.”

The campaign welcomes both monetary donations and essential items, including food supplies such as sugar, coffee, tea, long-life milk, biscuits, noodles and snacks, hygiene products such as wet wipes, tissues, toilet spray and liquid hand soap as well as practical items like paper plates and a toaster.

“Every contribution brings us one step closer to reaching our goal and placing hope in the hearts of children,” Perrins said.

He and fellow neighbourhood-watch member Kirodh Boodhraj recently had the privilege of delivering some of the items donated by residents and clients to the hospital, where a trustee took them on a tour of the facility.

“It was a very emotional experience seeing so many children receiving treatment and going through difficult circumstances,” he said.

“It really reminded us of how important it is to come together as a community and make a difference wherever we can.”

VPNHW will continue with the initiative until mid-October, when a special handover ceremony will be held at the hospital and the cheque from the fundraising efforts will be presented.

With one more fundraising event planned for October, the neighbourhood watch is appealing for continued community support. Tickets will go on sale next week, and residents who have not yet been visited are encouraged to send a message so arrangements can be made to deliver information and tickets to them.

“Thank you to every resident, business and client who has already contributed,” Perrins said. “Every donation, big or small, is helping us support these children and their families.”

With the campaign’s final push, VPNHW is urging the community to come together and help make a difference.

To donate or for more information call Perrins on 076 907 7850 or email kevinperrins80@gmail.com.