Oh my goodness… this was the most amazing Christmas ever for the hospital staff and patients. It started as a simple idea to spread the spirit of Christmas to the hospital by supplementing their diet for a period of 4 weeks from 18th November 2021 to 18th December 2021 with foods like silver fish, soya beans, vegetables & fruits, dairy products etc bringing variety to their usual meals and it was to end with a Christmas Cookout. This was after a successful nutrition drive during the lockdown season. However, the idea started growing hands and legs of its own with the ever-increasing excitement we felt and soon we had added a fully-fledged children’s party and staff picnic in appreciation for the tirelessly support and care they give patients in some of the most challenging environments yet they continue to serve from the heart.

We had overwhelming support from friends of Soul Foundation and the donations came pouring in, both in kind and cash to cover all 3 events. For the children’s party we had a christmas cakes, scrumptious breakfast AND lunch, sodas and juice, the activities included christmas storytelling, dancing and games, a bouncing castle and mascot, face painting etc

The day of the staff party was also the day we were distributing cake and a drink to every patient at the hospital. As we went from ward to ward, we had the honor of being serenaded by the choir that sang Christmas Caroles to further emphasize the spirit of Christmas. At the hospital grounds, a live band also filled the air with Christmas music sending excitement to every part of the hospital.

We gave assorted gift hampers to 50 exemplary staff members, as chosen by their HR department for going above and beyond the call of duty in service to the hospital and its patients. One of our lead sponsors Mandela Millers, donated a packet of flour to each and every staff member of the hospital as their special token.

The cookout which was also the grand finale had many people join us as we needed as many hands on deck. Soul Foundation absolutely took over the hospital kitchen and filled it with bunches of matooke, onions, tomatoes, bags of rice, packets of flour, as the freezer room was also filled with beef and chicken, drinks for the day. A truly abundant bounty.

Patients joined us in the kitchen showing us their skill in making chapatis, cooking rice while most just entertained us with their wild stories. With loud music playing, everyone was upbeat and the preparations were quick and organized.

Freeda was the master chef of the day supported by Pamella in charge of the beef and matooke, Sophie had the delicate task of deep frying our chicken to perfection while Jackie had the rice and groundnut sauce stoves. The chapati team which was under the management of Hamida, comprised of some patients as they tried to outshine each other in the skill of making the tastiest chapatis.

The icing of the day’s cake was the Coca-Cola caravan which lit up the hospital grounds. The Soul Foundation team, led by our founder Geraldine Opoka danced away as the Caravan escorted the food to the different wards. Patients were a bit confused as to where to focus their attention – the scrumptious meal or the never-before-seen Caravan on their grounds. Later, the caravan made a stop at the staff quarters where there was also a children’s Christmas party bringing it to life in an incredible way.

The day was a phenomenal success with patients exclaiming about how much they had eaten, boasting of having 2nds and 3rds, something they had never experienced before. You could feel the sheer joy and appreciation in the air that day. Our hearts were full and over flowing.

All this was made possible by the love we received from all of you our partners and friends who gave from your hearts to make this day special. We look forward to doing this again and again.