The Athlone Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Eikehof Care Home has received R40 000 worth of essentials collected by Stefan van Neel, of Bellville.
Two years ago, Mr Van Neel lost four relatives to cancer in the span of three weeks, and last year, he wondered how he could honour them while helping others.
So this year, through a public appeal, he collected toiletries, linen, groceries and other basic needs throughout March for the 21 cancer patients at the Eikehof Care Home. He handed the donated items over on Monday May 9.
“The recipients were extremely grateful and emotional; they couldn’t believe it,” he said. “Their gratitude almost made me emotional. There were tears in my eyes. It was a great experience. I really want to thank everyone for helping.”
The home accommodates patients who live outside of Cape Town and cannot afford to travel back and forth for hospital treatment that can last up to six months at a time.
Mr Van Neel said he planned to run a similar campaign later this year for mental-health awareness.
Angelina Lingani-Ngubo, coordinator at Athlone CANSA Eikehof Care Home, said the donation had provided much relief for the non-profit organisation and they were very grateful.
“This donation will last us a couple of weeks. I was almost in tears when I saw the huge amount of goods, which they just kept unpacking from the truck. The look of relief on the patients’ faces said everything.”
Donations of butter, chicken, meat, eggs, noodles, vegetables and quick meals, such as powdered soups, were welcome at the home, she said, adding that they also needed a new toaster.
Call the home at 021 696 6744 or 078 714 5124 if you can help.