Today is Flip Flop Day (17/02) and across South Africa “sticker buyers” have been given the passport to wear their flip flops.
More than 80 staff members at the Mediclinic Welkom supported this worthy cause in aid of childhood cancer.
Due to health and safety requirements at the hospital, the staff all donned tekkies to work, and proudly wore their stickers for all to see.
National Flip Flop Day is held annually by the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC).
There are seven centres scattered throughout South Africa, with the closest one to Matjhabeng being in Bloemfontein.
CHOC is a non-profit organisation made up of caring, committed and passionate people who stand up for and support the well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders, and extend this support to their families. Their aim is to save lives through early detection and making the journey of those who are affected by childhood cancer, less burdensome through the comprehensive support programmes they offer.
There are currently almost 2 000 children under the care of CHOC across South Africa.
The organisation provides basic necessities such as care bags, nutritional support (food parcels), and bereavement support to the children and their families.
In South Africa, childhood cancer is treated by a paediatric oncologist at a paediatric oncology unit.
CHOC has 13 home-away-from-home accommodation facilities close to the specialised treatment centres across South Africa to accommodate out-of-town patients and a parent or caregiver during the lengthy cancer treatment phase.
The child and their parent or caregiver stay at these facilities at no cost and spend time with other families facing similar circumstances. CHOC provides nutritional meals and a clean and safe, homely environment with caring and understanding staff – a place where new friendships are formed.
On average, CHOC accommodates 25 000 night services per annum.
