Joburg Theatre and CHOC’s Holiday Book Drive to Bring Joy to Young Cancer Patients

This holiday season, Joburg Theatre is embracing the power of stories to uplift young patients facing cancer. Inspired by its beloved Beauty and the Beast pantomime, the theatre has teamed up with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA to launch a book drive, bringing joy and comfort to these children. The production, which highlights themes of love, courage, and the importance of books, makes a fitting backdrop for this heartfelt initiative.

Joburg Theatre invites patrons to donate gently used children’s and young adult books. These donations will help fill CHOC’s library, offering young patients and their families a temporary escape into magical worlds. For children in treatment, reading can provide comfort, adventure, and a sense of hope.

How to Participate in the Book Drive

Theatre and book lovers across Johannesburg can join in this meaningful cause by donating books at Joburg Theatre’s foyer or box office. Donations are accepted daily until the last performance of Beauty and the Beast on December 22, 2024.

Two official handovers are planned to celebrate these contributions. The first handover will take place on November 19, and a second one will be held in January 2025. Both events coincide with CHOC’s 45th anniversary, a milestone for an organization devoted to supporting children and families affected by cancer.

Why This Book Drive Matters

For young patients, books provide more than just entertainment. They offer a welcome distraction from daily challenges, allowing children to explore new worlds and discover stories that inspire. The theatre’s CEO, Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, emphasizes the transformative impact of reading. Through this partnership, Joburg Theatre and CHOC hope to bring smiles, comfort, and hope to these brave children.

As we celebrate this festive season, let’s come together to support CHOC’s young readers. Every donated book has the power to uplift, inspire, and create precious memories. After all, as author Garrison Keillor said, “A book is a gift you can open again and again.”