FEM and Reach For A Dream Launch a Dream Room at George Provincial Hospital, Enhancing the Hospital Experience for Child Patients
  • 15 Sep 2023

Dream Room at George Provincial Hospital

FEM and Reach For A Dream Launch a Dream Room at George Provincial Hospital, Enhancing the Hospital Experience for Child Patients

George, South Africa – 7 September 2023: Today marks a significant milestone as the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) Proprietary Limited (FEM) and the Reach For A Dream Foundation inaugurate the first-ever Dream Room in George at the George Provincial Hospital. This initiative aims to revolutionise the hospital experience for children battling serious illnesses by providing a space of joy and comfort.

The Dream Room is furnished with a variety of books, games, toys, and electronic devices, offering a welcome escape from the clinical atmosphere of a traditional hospital ward.

With its mountain-themed design and calming environment, the Dream Room is intended to be a sanctuary where children can engage in imaginative play, crucial for their physical, emotional, and mental health. A resident Psychology graduate will oversee a range of enjoyable and educational activities, ensuring that the children’s developmental progress is maintained.

“We understand how overwhelming hospital visits can be for children and their families. That’s why we’ve poured our hearts into creating the Dream Room – a space meticulously designed to provide a refuge of recovery where children can take a break from their treatments and enjoy being children again,” says Michelle van Huyssteen, National Finance Administrator at the Reach For A Dream Foundation.

Established in 1988, Reach For A Dream’s primary mission is to inspire hope in children facing life-threatening illnesses by making their dreams come true.

Van Huyssteen further explains: “Our dream fulfilment efforts typically involve taking children out of the hospital to enjoy new experiences with their families. However, for those who require continuous treatment and monitoring, leaving the hospital isn’t an option. That’s why the Dream Room is so crucial.”

The Dream Room was made possible through a generous contribution from FEM, which provided funding to design, build, and equip the room with toys, books, and games.

“The Dream Room stands as a testament to our belief that every child deserves to smile, play, and explore their imagination, irrespective of their health conditions. It’s a privilege to be part of a project that brings hope and happiness to these brave young individuals,” says Ndivhuwo Manyonga, FEM CEO.

To date, The Foundation has successfully opened 41 Dream Rooms in various hospitals across the country.

About Reach For A Dream

Reach For A Dream has been one of the country’s most recognisable and credible charities for the last 35 years. Off the back of being awarded the CSI Legacy award for Best NGO in South Africa for 2022, the Foundation has grown from strength to strength by encouraging children to use the power of their dreams to fight life-threatening illnesses and make these dreams come true. Visit www.reachforadream.org.za

About The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM)

The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) is a mutual insurer that provides Workmen’s Compensation Cover to the construction industry in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 1993 (COIDA). FEM was established as a mutual insurer in 1936 and, on the introduction of the Workmen’s Compensation Act 1941, was granted a license to continue to transact workmen’s compensation insurance for the construction industry. FEM business operations are essentially confined to the insurance of employers against their liabilities under COIDA, and related Regulations. For more information, visit: www.fem.co.za

Media contact: 

Reach For A Dream – Birgit Deibele: Birgit@reachforadream.org.za

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