In a Vodacom United Rugby Championship season where a missed kick or a disallowed try can seem like something all-important, a visit by Vodacom and the DHL Stormers to The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town on Wednesday quickly put all of that into perspective.
Stormers coach John Dobson and a huge contingent of his players joined Vodacom in showing their appreciation for the fact there are some battles far bigger than those that happen on a rugby field, and some heroes far braver than those making the hardest tackles.
It was no ordinary visit to a place described as “no ordinary hospital”, which annually takes care of approximately 250 000 patients from the Western Cape and beyond and with some of them less than a year old.
It was a memorable day capped by a significant R100 000 donation by Vodacom to the Children’s Hospital Trust and the important work it continues to do in advancing child healthcare.
But it was also a day when it was the turn of the heroes of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship to be inspired.
“It’s impossible to put into words what a visit like this means to us as a team. The core of our belief as a team is that we’re here to make Cape Town smile with what we do on the rugby field. But it’s hard for us and our players to come here and spend time with these brave children and not leave inspired ourselves by their absolute courage in the face of the kind of obstacles we’ll never ever encounter on the rugby field. A visit like this, thanks to Vodacom, is so important for us as a team to keep that perspective and remember exactly why we work hard and who we’re playing for,” said Dobson.
As the players spent time with the children, Vodacom also handed out blankets, bucket hats, pencil cases with stationery, hygiene products and drawstring bags.
“We’re a company defined by our purpose, which is to support the communities who support us. It’s a privilege for us, especially at this time of the year, to be able to partner with the DHL Stormers and hopefully bring a smile to without a doubt the bravest supporters we have in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. And to also pay tribute to the staff of The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital who work tirelessly to be the support these children and their families so desperately need,” said Michelle van Eyden, Head of Marketing for Vodacom.
Chantel Cooper, CEO of the Children’s Hospital Trust, was overwhelmed by the show of support.
“For children in hospital, meeting sporting heroes can be a powerful and uplifting experience, offering a break from their daily challenges and creating unforgettable moments of happiness. It also provides a sense of connection, showing them that they are seen, valued, and supported. Having the DHL Stormers coach and players take the time to personally visit us also provides a much-needed boost for our healthcare workers after a tough year. Their visit means so much to all involved with the hospital. On behalf of all of us at the hospital, I cannot express how grateful we are to Vodacom for making this happen, and to the DHL Stormers for showing up in such numbers in support.”
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