From cupcakes to compassion: how Verulam's poorest schools support cancer care
Generosity thrives even where means are scarce
DESPITE limited resources, two Verulam primary schools raised over R9 000 for their local hospice through creative fundraising initiatives, proving that generosity thrives even where means are scarce.
Their story showcases how young pupils are becoming compassionate community advocates while supporting vital cancer care service.
Rydalvale Primary and Mounthaven Primary have emerged as beacons of compassion.
Both schools recently led fundraising and awareness drives in support of the Verulam Regional Hospice, an organisation that provides free palliative care to patients battling cancer and life-limiting illnesses.
The hospice, which receives no government funding, depends entirely on public goodwill to cover its monthly R120 000 operational costs - a feat sustained by the steady stream of small donations, community events, and countless acts of kindness from everyday people.
A cupcake sale that became a lesson in humanity
At Rydalvale Primary, the spirit of giving began in the simplest way - through a cupcake sale spearheaded by two teachers, Caitlen Rampersad and Tasmia Ramatulla with the support of their principal Yasmin Hoosen.
They inspired staff, pupils and parents to unite for a cause that touched so many lives.
“At Rydalvale Primary, we believe in nurturing not only the minds of our pupils but also their hearts,” said Hoosen.
“We are deeply inspired by the hospice’s incredible work in bringing comfort, dignity, and care to those affected by cancer. Through this initiative, our pupils discovered that even the smallest act of kindness can make a powerful difference.”
“Community service teaches empathy, responsibility, and purpose,” Hoosen added.
“We teach our pupils that leadership is not only about achievement - it’s about compassion.”
Their cupcake sale raised R4 330 for the hospice.
Hospice’s deputy president, Shoshi Chetty, said every cent counted and made a difference to the work that they did.
“Donations from schools like Rydalvale and Mounthaven are invaluable. They help us purchase essential medicines and dressings while freeing up funds for staff salaries. More than that, they give the hospice visibility — turning quiet acts of charity into public advocacy,” she said.
Mounthaven’s magwinyas and the spirit of giving
Mounthaven Primary rallied behind the same cause with a heartwarming vetkoek (magwinya) sale. Under the steadfast leadership of principal Anita Theresa Naiker, the school - which serves pupils from poverty-stricken households - raised an impressive R5 000.
For Naiker and her team, the motivation runs deep.
“Everyday we pray that we can be kind and good to others and we action this through our concerted efforts. Having lost beloved staff members to cancer, we are reminded of the impact this disease has on families. Despite being a Quintile 3 school with financial constraints, we believe giving back is essential,” she said.
Mounthaven’s pupils were equally inspired, designing posters and messages of hope as part of their October cancer awareness campaign.
“We hope our pupils develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. Through these experiences, they learn that kindness and generosity are at the heart of community,” Naiker added.
In just two years, Mounthaven has donated a remarkable R11 000 to the Verulam Regional Hospice - proof that “doing more with less” can yield extraordinary results.
Verulam Regional Hospice TOP ROW: Mounthaven Primary Staff (Top row) Ms Nomsizi Mbembe, Ms Khanyo Mthembu, Mrs Razia Khan, Ms Aakifah Rassool, Ms Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Mrs Dianne Peter, Mrs Roshini Parathnandh, Principal Mrs Anita Theresa Naiker, Ms Deneshree Govender, Ms Yuvnika Khunni, Ms Lee-Anne Sunkeran BOTTOM ROW: Seated in the wheelchair is Mrs Premie Devchand are Representatives from the Verulam Hospice next to Mrs Premie Devchand:Preshiel Pillai(secretary), Reshmi Bodalia (Dep. President ), Nova Chetty (President), Shoshi Chetty(Deputy President), Shirley Jayrajh(Internal Auditor) and Pam Harripersad (Volunteer)
Image: Supplied
Keeping compassion alive
For the Verulam Regional Hospice, such partnerships are the lifeblood of survival. “Community hospices stand as quiet sanctuaries of care - places where dignity is restored, pain is eased, and families find solace,” said Chetty.
“In a world where compassion often competes with survival, schools like Rydalvale and Mounthaven remind us that we are still a nation of givers,” she added.
Chetty emphasized the importance of engaging youth. “When pupils visit a hospice or take part in awareness drives, they realize that kindness has no price tag. It gives them perspective and purpose. It teaches them that they can be agents of change — not victims of circumstance.”
This December, the Verulam Regional Hospice invites the community to come together for a Tree of Remembrance Candlelight Ceremony — an evening dedicated to honouring loved ones who are no longer with us, on December 12, at 45 Assafa Way, Riyadh, Verulam.
For just R20, families can light a remembrance candle in tribute to someone they cherish. “Every candle tells a story. Every light carries a memory,” said Chetty.
“All funds raised will help us continue providing hope, comfort, and care to patients and families in need.”