Something sweet for medical staff

Ms Van der Westhuizen, left, hands out snacks to staff at Melomed Bellville.

Adele van der Westhuizen, of Oakdale, dropped off refreshments and snacks to nurses and doctors at four local hospitals on Saturday to show her appreciation for all of their hard work.

Ms Van der Westhuizen said: “A friend of mine works in the medical field, and she constantly tells me how much stress they are under during this whole pandemic. These people put their lives at risk to keep us safe, and they work incredible hours, such as multiple 24-hour shifts in the week. I felt that something had to be done to thank them for all of their hard work.”

Ms Van der Westhuizen used social media to put out a public appeal for donations, and she was overwhelmed at the response.

“As a member of the Oakdale Neighbourhood Watch, I have access to the WhatsApp group, and I was surprised to get responses from people in Chrismar, Blomtuin as well as Oakdale and other areas all over Bellville.”

Thanks to the 14 people who contributed to the care packages, 220 parcels of chips, biscuits, sweets and cooldrinks were given to staff at Louis Leipoldt, Karl Bremer, Melomed Bellville and Panorama hospitals.

“These little parcels are just a way to thank all of the nurses and doctors who work so tirelessly during the pandemic,” Ms Van der Westhuizen said. “Along with members of SAPS, these staff work 24/7, and they need to be looked after by the public as they keep us safe. Soon I hope to be able to do something similar for paramedics and ambulance drivers.”

Nurse Sheila Tredoux, at Melomed Bellville, said the staff were very grateful for the parcels.

“It is extremely heart-warming to see that the community is willing to come together to give us these gifts and it just shows that all of our work is appreciated.”