Making a difference

A big-hearted brother and sister kept their pledge and hand delivered boxes of goodies to sick children recovering in a children's hospital ... and they are now planning a new charitable book blitz, reports Anasuya Kesavan.

Ten containers full of toys and reading material collected as part of Project KP (Kid's Playroom) were presented to young patients at the Philippine Children's Medical Centre (PCMC) in Quezon City. It is a public hospital for underprivileged children who are undergoing long-term treatment and suffering from illnesses such as cancer.

Danielle and Kevin Linton, aged 12 and seven, completed the last leg of Project KP, which was introduced to pupils at St Christopher's School when Kevin was a Year 2 counsellor.

Proud mum Alfre said: "Children from the cancer unit listened to Danielle and Kevin reading them a story and had a great time playing with the many toys placed in stackable boxes bought from cash donations.

"For Danielle and Kevin to know that they are able to make children happy, who are in a very different situation to them, was a remarkable experience. Being able to rally friends and encourage people they do know personally to donate to the project also taught them that little efforts, when put together, can make a big difference.

"All those who put a toy or book into a Project KP box played a big part in making another child happy. We thank them for their kindness."

The siblings managed to fill three boxes of toys and books from their own playroom and seven boxes from donations by school pals and friends at CHAOSS sports academy.

They also received a cash donation from neighbours John and Barbara Storey from Awali.

Forex Bahrain delivered the boxes free of charge to the Philippines.

They are now looking forward to supporting a 'story time' project organised by the hospital which aims to assist young outpatients.

Every time a child comes back into hospital their parents are encouraged to read a few pages from a favourite story.

This helps motivate the children to look forward to future appointments as the continuation of the story helps take their minds off the treatment, which sometimes can have unpleasant side-effects. When the book is finished the children get to keep the book.

Mrs Linton said: "If you have a children's book in English that you would like to share with the children of PCMC, please save them for now and we shall shortly announce where you can place a donation in a drop box."