Doctors and staff at Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital have raised R100 000 to help those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown period and are challenging other medical institutions to do the same.
Pharmacy manager at the hospital, Mohamed Sonday, said he urged staff to donate R50 towards the cause “and after that it spread like wildfire and we ended up with R100 000,” he said.
The Mustadafin Foundation will select the beneficiaries.
It’s director, Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, said Huguenot Primary School in Tafelsig, Sikelela Imizamo Primary School in Crossroads, Kwafaku Primary School in Philippi and 500 families will receive food vouchers.
“It’s important we assist those going through a tough time. The medical staff are in the heart of this pandemic, in the front line and helping those in need and we are honoured by that,” said Ms Johnstone-Cassiem.
Head of nursing and acting chief executive officer of Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital, Aletta Brown, said: “As management we are very proud to be doing this, supporting and uplifting people. We cannot afford to have people go hungry, we must help in some way. We have exceeded our expectations.
“Thank you to all those involved, working under these circumstances.”
Ms Johnstone-Cassiem said the foundation would be purchasing the food for the families and the schools so that they did not have to go out themselves.