JAt the recent 40th birthday celebration for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, Clover Nutrikids announced that fundraising is in full swing and on track for the purchasing and refurbishing of a new Clover Nutrikids CHOC House in Port Elizabeth. This will make it the sixth house donated by Clover NutriKids to CHOC over the past few years, as part of a beautiful journey and long lasting committed relationship.
The various CHOC houses across the country provide a home away from home for families whose children are affected by cancer and need to travel long distances from home to receive treatment.
“Clover has been and is the most amazing partner. For the past 15 years Clover has supported CHOC. Clover’s extensive generosity over the years has meant that thousands of children, teens and parents who otherwise had nowhere to stay, found a home, care and love at a CHOC House,” says Carl Queiros, CEO at CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA.
In 2018, Clover Nutrikids fundraised and invested close to R2 million into the fifth Clover Nutrikids CHOC House located in Pretoria. The six-bedroom house underwent major renovations to ensure that each area of the house provided maximum benefit to the children receiving treatment as well as the CHOC employees who are vital to the children’s recovery.
Across the Globe each year, parents of over 15 000 children will hear the words “your child has cancer.” These children form part of the heart-breaking statistic which shows that 1 out of 408 children under the age of 16 are likely to get cancer. Over the last two decades childhood cancer globally has increased by 13% and it is estimated that 43 children are diagnosed with cancer every day, globally. Around 55% of those diagnosed survive, and in developed countries the recovery rate is much higher (between 80% to 90%). Due to increased awareness, earlier detection and formalised non-profit organisations specialising in childhood cancer, the chances of childhood survival have increased over the last 40 years.
CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation was established in 1979 by parents of children with cancer and life threatening blood disorders. The organisation exists to serve and support the children, parents, families and communities through their cancer journey to keep more than hope alive. Having experienced the immense emotional and financial toll that cancer takes, they recognised there is more than one victim in the family of a child with cancer, and they bound together to support each other, children with cancer and their loved ones.
Their aim was to ease the burden on parents and families facing the same journey by providing access to relevant, accurate information, as well as emotional and practical support. CHOC is the only organisation in South Africa that provides comprehensive countrywide support for children with cancer, life-threatening blood disorders and their families. They have a national office in Johannesburg, six regional offices, one branch, and 13 accommodation facilities close to treatment centres. CHOC relies on corporate sponsors such as Clover and donations from groups or individuals wanting to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.
Jessica Nkosi was also among those celebrating CHOC’s 40th birthday. “Cancer has been something that has affected my family for years. I’ve lost many close relatives to cancer. It’s no secret that I absolutely adore children, and it kills me that cancer is affecting little ones! This is why early detection is key and this is where CHOC and their CHOC Houses play such a big part in ensuring children are supported throughout their treatment and recovery journey,” says Nkosi.
“CHOC is all about keeping hope alive, and Clover Nutrikids makes life good for moms and way better for kids. With these two brands working together, we believe in creating hope for all children in South Africa affected by cancer. Over the past few months, together with CHOC, we have been working together to help raise much-needed funds through through a portion of our Nutrikids product sales to ensure that this sixth Clover Nutrikids CHOC House becomes a reality, ” says Edith Molepo, Brand Group Manager for Nutrikids.
The fundraising will continue into 2020 and people across South Africa can get involved by purchasing any Clover Nutrikids product which will contribute towards the purchasing and furnishing of the home. The Nutrikids range is made up of juices, yoghurts, ready-to-drink milk and toddler’s milk powder. A donation from each Clover Nutrikids product sold will be made towards the initiative. The product can be found in any SA retailer.
