JOBURG THEATRE PARTNERS WITH CHOC FOR A FESTIVE SEASON BOOK DRIVE

(Johannesburg, October 2024) – This festive season, Joburg Theatre is embracing the magic of storytelling and the power of books in a heartwarming initiative inspired by the Janice Honeyman Pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’. This year’s production highlights not just the timeless themes of love and inner beauty, but also Belle’s passion for reading—a key element that underscores the importance of books in shaping minds, transporting us to new worlds, and teaching us valuable lessons about life and humanity.

“At Joburg Theatre, we firmly believe in the transformative power of reading, especially for children and teenagers.” says CEO of Joburg Theatre, Xoliswa Nduneni – Ngema

In the spirit of giving and to share this joy with others, Joburg Theatre is proud to announce a partnership with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA for a special holiday book drive to fill CHOC’s library.

“With the help of theatre patrons, we aim to collect pre-loved children’s and young adult books to fill the shelves of the CHOC library, providing these brave children and teenagers undergoing treatment with a much-needed escape into the world of stories and imagination.” continues Nduneni – Ngema

Reading helps the patients manage their pain, offering hope, joy and a chance to embark on adventures to far-off places—despite the challenges they face.

In celebration of CHOCs 45th anniversary, we are excited to announce our new partnership with the Joburg Theatre whose audience attending the wonderful production, will donate a wonderful collection of books to children, teenagers, and their families. These books will offer an escape into the world of imagination during challenging times. Through this initiative, we hope to bring not just hope, but also to touch and uplift countless lives throughout their cancer journey.” adds Antonella Swanepoel, Business Development Unit Manager for CHOC.

We are calling on theatre and book lovers across Joburg to join us in this meaningful cause by donating gently-used children’s and young adult books. You can drop off your books at Joburg Theatre any time of the day from now until the end of the pantomime season. Donations can be made at our reading corner in the theatre foyer or handed over to the box office staff.

The theatre will be hosting an initial official book handover on Tuesday, 19 November, as well as a second handover in January 2025, as we celebrate the incredible courage of these young readers and the impact of stories in their lives.

Let’s work together to fill the CHOC library with books that will light up their imaginations and bring smiles to their faces this festive season. A single book can make a world of difference—because every story shared is a step toward healing.

As American author and radio personality Garrison Keillor once said, “A book is a gift you can open again and again.”

Janice Honeyman’s pantomime “Beauty and the Beast” runs until Sunday 22 December 2024.

Tickets for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.joburgtheatre.com or at the Joburg Theatre box office. Group discounts and family packages are available.

Follow Joburg Theatre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – @joburgtheatre

#BeautyBeastPanto

Follow CHOC: Facebook and Instagram – @CHOCFoundationSA

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation Celebrates 45 Years of Keeping More than Hope Alive

This year, CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA proudly celebrates 45 years of unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer. Since its inception in 1979, CHOC has been a cornerstone of support for young cancer patients and their families across South Africa, offering comprehensive care and a robust support system throughout the years, CHOC has had the privilege of augmenting the National Department of Health, local departments of health, 13 hospitals and their paediatric oncology units. 

Founded by a group of parents, led by Sadie and Julian Cutland, CHOC emerged from a heartfelt need for a support system for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer. Over the past 45 years, The Foundation has significantly expanded its services, providing essential resources such as accommodation, transportation, psychosocial support, and advocacy for early detection and treatment.

CHOC has been a pillar of support for these children and over the years, has grown to include 9 houses and 2 lodges situated close to the Paediatric Haematology Oncology Units nationwide, providing 77 rooms that can house up to 200 people daily.

CHOC ensures reliable transportation to treatment centers with its fleet of vehicles. Nationally, The Foundation offers 34 488 bednight services to patients and caregivers annually and provides approximately 103 000 nutritious meals each year. Nutritional support, including food parcels, packed meals for parents returning home, and tea mornings with refreshments at clinics, benefits over 5 000 people annually.

Each year, CHOC disburses over R1 million to assist 20 454 beneficiaries, ensuring families can adhere to treatment schedules through financial transport assistance. Newly diagnosed children or teens receive a CHOC Carebag filled with items of practical use and information to support them on their journey, with about 1 564 CHOC Carebags distributed annually.

This year, CHOC has partnered with the iSchoolAfrica Foundation to introduce the iPad Learning Programme in partnership with hospital schools in Gauteng. As CHOC celebrates its 45th anniversary, it continues to provide more than just hope, touching countless lives throughout their cancer journey.

“It all started with the need for a kettle, toys for children and a fridge for the ward” says Sadie Cutland and today, as we celebrate this special anniversary, we reflect on the countless lives CHOC has touched.

“For 45 years, CHOC has stood as a beacon of hope for children, teenagers and families facing the daunting journey of treatment,” says Hedley Lewis, CEO of CHOC. “Our commitment to keeping

more than hope alive has never wavered, and we are proud of the community we’ve built and the lives we’ve impacted.”

The future holds continued growth and unwavering support for CHOC. We are committed to enhancing our programmes, advocating for better healthcare policies, and ensuring that every child has access to the best possible cancer treatment.

We invite the community to be part of our legacy in celebrating this remarkable milestone by telling us what Hope means to them and sending us daily stories of hope reminding us of why CHOC’s work is so important.

Donating R45, R450, R4500 or any amount through our campaign.  Your donation will make a huge difference.  No amount is too small. You can also help by sharing our campaign with your family, friends and network.  Every share gets us closer to reaching our goal.

For more information about CHOC’s 45th anniversary and our ongoing mission, please go to www.choc.org.za