This holiday season, the Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (Choc) is on a heartwarming mission to make the holidays as memorable as possible for children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders.
Through the “Home Sweet Holiday” campaign, Choc is raising funds to send beneficiaries home to celebrate with their families — and safely return them to continue life-saving treatments.
“The holidays are meant for togetherness,” Choc CEO Hedley Lewis said.
“We believe every child and teen deserves that joy, especially those facing tough medical challenges. ‘Home Sweet Holiday’ is all about making that happen.”
The campaign aims to cover travel expenses for families who otherwise could not afford to reunite for the holidays. In the past financial year alone, Choc provided 33,832 bed-night services to families in need. There are 77 rooms in the various houses, that are situated nationwide, and Choc is able to accommodate 200 people per night, in addition, the transport assistance programme, with 1,450 disbursements this past year, ensures that no child misses their treatment because of distance or financial constraints.
All Choc programs are focused to ensure that every child or teenager diagnosed with cancer, or a life-threatening blood disorder can access and continue their treatment.
How you can help:
Donate: Every contribution — big or small — helps cover the cost of safe travel.
Spread the joy: Share the campaign across social media and with friends.
Host a fundraiser: From bake sales to holiday runs and virtual events, community fundraisers can make a huge impact.
Corporate partners: Companies are encouraged to join the cause by sponsoring travel costs, offering donation matching, or supporting the campaign in creative ways.
The impact goes far beyond a taxi, car or bus ride. It means laughter around the dinner table, bedtime stories, family traditions, and healing through togetherness — all while ensuring children can continue receiving critical care.
“We can’t change their diagnosis, but we can give them the priceless gift of home and family this season,” Lewis said. “And that’s magic worth sharing.”
Join us in giving the gift of home this holiday season. To donate or learn more, visit www.choc.org.za or follow Choc on all social media platforms.
