On 1 June 2012, Clairwood launched its Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Unit to cater for all children living with life-limiting and life threatening illnesses. Extruwood jumped at the opportunity to assist this worthy cause. "Given the suffering that these children have to endure, we hope that this jungle gym - and the free play it offers to these children when they are able to, will in some small way help to ease their plight and brighten their days," says Extruwood business manager, Kamal Diaite.
Tracy Brand, regional manager at Bigshoes, a national organisation that runs PPC programmes in hospitals across the country, spoke highly of the contribution. "The biggest issue in trying to find a jungle gym suitable for the palliative paediatric unit at Clairwood Hospital was finding something that is low maintenance and without sharp edges that could injure the children," she says.
"The jungle gym from Extruwood and Ecology Plastics was more than ideal in this regard, as it is 100% weatherproof, does not rust and is not susceptible to mould or insects. The kids were beside themselves when they finally saw the jungle gym. Receiving this donation allowed us to put the money which we had initially budgeted to buy the jungle gym, to other much needed uses. It has allowed project continuation to occur."
For Ecology Plastics the donation was made to improve the lives of the children at Clairwood Hospital. "We are of the opinion that playing enhances the speedy recovery of children and that the jungle gym will add much joy to the children regardless of what they are going through. Along with Extruwood, Ecology Plastics is also hoping that the donation will encourage other companies out there to do their bit, especially towards NGOs who are fully reliant on the good will of people," says Karen Maiden of Ecology Plastics.
