WSB Western Province teams visit Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in honour of Mandela Day

The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has continued its annual tradition of supporting Mandela Day by visiting the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

WPCA management, the World Sports Betting (WSB) Western Province teams, staff and representatives from title sponsor World Sports Betting united to deliver gifts and bring smiles to the faces of the children. In addition, beverage partner, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, generously donated cool drinks to the hospital staff and nurses as a gesture of appreciation.

Dressed in the iconic Western Province colours, these players had a heartwarming morning witnessing the big smiles and excitement from so many beautiful faces in a player driven initiative.

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 Commercial and Marketing Manager Adrian de Souza and WSB Head of Design Leigh Hasson, WSB Western Province players Beuran Hendricks and Lara Goodall presented a donation cheque of R20 000 to the hospital.

De Souza reflected warmly on the visit to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, sharing heartfelt thoughts about the experience: “As we continue to support Nelson Mandela Day and importantly grow our relationship with Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, visiting the hospital is very close to our hearts, especially at this time of the year. We would like to thank our partners, WSB and Pen Bev for getting involved in the initiative. The players loved spending time with the children and bringing smiles to their faces. We hope to continue this tradition and grow our relationship with the hospital as we go forward.”

Hasson added: “World Sports Betting are honoured to be part of the event at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, uniting our love for sport with a shared commitment to giving back. Partnering with WPCA to support such an inspiring cause and knowing their incredible impact on youth through sport and community, made the day truly meaningful.”

Participating players from the men’s team included Beuran Hendricks, Abdallah Buyoumy, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Mihlali Mpongwana, Raeeq Daniels, Valentine Kitime, Jiveshan Pillay, Oliver Whitehead, Jody Lawrence, Daniel Smith and Tshepo Moreki.

Representing the women’s team were Faye Tunnicliffe, Nosipho Vezi, Yandiswa Mangele, Refiloe Bomvana, Jemma Botha, Tatum le Roux and Lara Goodall.

Marc Odendal, Penbev Commercial Sports and Marketing Assets Lead says: “For Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages giving back in spirit of Mandela day reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to uplifting communities and honouring the legacy of Nelson Mandela through impactful, on the ground community contributions. Mandela Day is not just a symbolic occasion for Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages it is a call to action that aligns community engagement, compassion and corporate citizenship and just another way of making Cape Town smile. Partnering with Western Province Cricket for this initiative adds an extra layer of impact, allowing

CCPB to reach local communities through the shared values of sport, unity and development. This collaboration signifies more than just sponsorship - small actions, especially when done together, can make a big difference.”

In conclusion to the visit, Taryn Rubenstein, Donor Relations Manager: Corporate at the Children’s Hospital Trust, said: “The visit from World Sports Betting Western Province teams and World Sports Betting gave the kids an opportunity to have a break from a boredom and the loneliness of the experience on the daily basis they are in hospital. The children got to meet the amazing cricket players, and human beings and we are so grateful to WSB Western Province and their partners for supporting us, this is the second year they have been with us we love having them over and having an amazing experience.”