About the CHOC Foundation
The CHOC Foundation is a non-profit organisation that advocates for the health and well-being of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders.
The foundation started in 1979, when Sister Sadie Cutland started a 'parent support group’ after the diagnosis of her own child. In the years since, CHOC has been pivotal in raising awareness, being an advocate and giving comprehensive child and family support to those affected by childhood cancer.
CHOC Foundation provides the following services:
- Emotional support
- Accommodation close to treatment centres
- Transport to and from treatment centres
- Support groups
- CHOC interactive learning programme
- Nutritional support
- Awareness and education
OUTsurance’s commitment to the CHOC Foundation
OUTsurance supports CHOC through financial donations to CHOC homes, on-site activations, as well as on-campus events such as the annual Flip Flop Walk.
At this year’s Flip Flop Walk, staff once again kicked off their shoes and slipped on a pair of flip flops in support of the brave children and teenagers at CHOC.
Staff bought Flip Flop Walk stickers at a price of R10 and donations went towards the CHOC Foundation.
‘We visited the CHOC home in Lyttelton, Centurion. It was a very productive day. We planted some seeds. We came up with long-term solutions, not just quick fixes,’ said OUTsurance staff volunteer, Fizaro Korwal.
Partnering with Genesis to assist with food parcels
OUTsurance partnered with Genesis on their journey to alleviate malnutrition and fight hunger. They offer a solution to a challenge faced by many South Africans – that is access to affordable nutritionally balanced meals. Through this partnership, Genesis has delivered over 500 000 meals to different charity organisations, including the CHOC Foundation. These food packs are filled with nutritious meals for the families of childhood cancer patients.
Judy Schoeman, Chief Dietician: Paediatric Oncology Unit Steve Biko Academic Hospital, explained that ‘Most of the patients struggle to eat healthy due to high cost and limited availability of fruits and vegetables. Some patients live far from markets where fresh produce is accessible. This is where OUTsurance, in collaboration with Genesis, steps in.’
Prof. David Reynders, Head of Paediatric Oncology Department at Steve Biko Academic Hospital said: ‘Nutrition is so important. If a patient is well fed and healthy, and their body is in a positive growth state, they tolerate the treatment much better, and their outcomes are improved. The CHOC House is a wonderful facility where children can come with their parents and stay in between their treatment without the need for extensive travel. They do not have to travel large distances and can take a break in between their treatment.
‘It’s through generous contributions that enabled CHOC to provide transportation, ensuring that children maintain their treatment schedules.’