Photo Credit: Western Province Cricket Association
The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has reinstated its annual tradition of visiting the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, as part of their Mandela Day initiative that is driven by player’s request.
Supported by their Title sponsor, World Sports Betting, selected members of WSB Western Province Men and Women teams, along with the WPCA staff spent nearly two hours in the children’s ward distributing gift bags and spending time with the young patients.
Dressed in the iconic Western Province colors, these players had a heartwarming morning witnessing the big smiles and excitement from so many beautiful faces.
Built in Cape Town in 1956, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital is the first and only stand-alone tertiary hospital in sub-Saharan Africa dedicated entirely to child healthcare. It is known throughout the world as a centre of excellence for pioneering research and treatment of childhood diseases and as the premier centre of specialist paediatric training in Africa.
Furthermore, WPCA CEO Corrie van Zyl and WSB Sponsorship Manager Yolandi Venter, WSB Western Province players Kyle Simmonds and Yandiswa Mangele presented a donation cheque of R38,000 to the hospital.
Reflecting on the visit to the Red Cross Hospital, van Zyl stated: “Players requested to get involved in this initiative and it made sense for WPCA to support this fully. WPCA are delighted to be here again and look forward to rekindling the relationship between us and the hospital, something that is best for the players and children.”
Visiting the Red Cross Hospital annually was a tradition for the Cape Cobras, aimed at connecting with their dedicated fan base who have long supported the Newlands-based team.
Players who participated included Abdallah Buyoumy, Kyle Simmonds, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Onke Nyaku, and Juan James from the men’s team, while in women’s team Nosipho Vezi, Yandiswa Mangele and head coach Claire Terblanche together with assistant coach Vuyani Parafin attended.
Venter commented: “We were delighted to be asked to get involved with this player driven initiative and World Sports Betting as a brand is passionate about giving back and making a difference. It was a privilege to be able to contribute to such an incredible institution that makes a difference in these children’s lives daily.”
