Easter eggs were the order of the day for 80 children at SOS Children’s Village in Cape Town – but so were toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, face cloths and lots of smiles.

HIIT Fitness gym in Parklands challenged its members to donate essential items as well as chocolate treats for over 80 children that are housed at SOS Children’s Village.

The gym’s owner JP Steyl says “I would just like to say that it is a great honour for us to have the opportunity to contribute to the SOS collection. I am very proud of all our clients, friends and family for their donations towards such a good cause”.

Founder of The Little Optimist Trust, Greg Bertish, joined the challenge too along with Radisson BLU, and delivered the goods, as well as treating everyone to an inspirational talk to lift their spirits.

“Delivering lessons and laughs, along with much-needed toiletries and Easter eggs was absolutely fantastic”, says Bertish.

SOS Children’s Villages South Africa is a child-focused organisation, looking after children who have lost the care of their parents and of their immediate families. These children and youth are provided with care in eight villages across the country. Skilled care-givers work with these children to provide them with love, respect and care. To equip them to fully understand these children, the care-givers are provided with psycho-social support, training and ongoing professional development.

“SOS Children’s Villages is grateful to Little Optimist, Radisson Blue Waterfront, and HIIT Gymnasium for the toiletries provided to our children. Hygiene is important in our family homes, the toiletries will go a long way in ensuring this. Our vision is that every child belongs to a family and grows up with love, respect, and security, we can only realise this with the help of our partners. We also appreciate the added sweet treats of Easter Eggs that we received”, says SOS’ Programme Director Charmaine Prince.