Father Christmas puts a smile on children admitted at cancer institute

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Father Christmas (David Sanders), all the way from Nairobi, has put a smile on about 50 children admitted at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) ward in Mulago, Kampala.

As he greeted them, they were delighted to see him in the attire of Father Christmas and giggled when he shook their hands.

The children were also entertained by the Cherubim Choir of St Charles Lwanga Catholic Parish Ntinda with Christmas carols, which raised their spirits.

Their ward had Christmas decorations and some of them excitedly wore Father Christmas hats. The majority of the patients said they were surprised when good Samaritans stormed their ward with gifts and cut a cake together with them.

“Our children are not aware it's Christmas time, but when you are around and bring surprise gifts, they become happy and get out of their beds,” Angela Nambejja, a nurse, said on Christmas eve.

She added that it’s fulfilling to see a choir singing for children and this has elevated their spirits, including the health workers and attendants.

The visit to cancer ward to share Christmas with the vulnerable children was organised by Kaana Charity Organisation UK.

Father Christmas David Sanders (left) interacts with children admitted at Uganda Cancer Institute ward during a Christmas party in Kampala.

According to the founder of Kaana Charity UK, Maureen Mwagale, the act of sharing Christmas with vulnerable children was started eight years ago.

“It’s fulfilling to share gifts with children and to cut a cake together with them,” Mwagale said.

The children received gifts, including bathing and washing soap, soft drinks, millet flour for porridge, sanitary towels, sugar, milk, and others.

They also had dinner with the officials of Kaana Charity UK.

Sanders, who was joined by his wife, Joan Kwesiga Sanders, said it was a pleasure to share joy and happiness with the vulnerable children because worldwide Christmas is celebrated.

“It is a good thing to do something and bring happiness to the vulnerable in society,” Sanders said.

The Uganda Cancer Institute treats 800 children suffering from cancer, with 50 inpatients and 750 outpatients.

Priscilla Nambalirwa, a social worker with Uganda Child Cancer Foundation, commended the Kaana Charity UK for putting a smile on the children who, quite often, are not recognised during the festive season.