Media Release: GRDM donates mattresses to Early Childhood Development facilities in Hessequa

For immediate release
16 March 2023

During the Mattresses Handover campaign on 02 March 2023 Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health officials responsible for the Hessequa area, assisted the GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Property Management and Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, to distribute and donate mattresses to three crèches in the Hessequa region – Kleine Diamandjies, Neskuikentjie in Heidelberg and Groenie die Drakie crèche in Slangrivier.

Cllr Hoogbaard, during the handover ceremony, explained the importance of the overall wellbeing of children. He said: “It is hoped that this donation will further promote the development of the future leaders of our communities”. In addition, Cllr Hoogbaard stressed that “donating these mattresses will create a safe sleep environment because they are waterproof and easy to clean/disinfect”.  He also highlighted that “we, the Garden Route District Municipality, further hope that mattresses can be donated to all the early childhood facilities across the Hessequa region”.

Sleep is a critical part of a healthy childhood and while children are at a crèche, they need a comfortable and safe sleeping surface, especially during naptime.

In closing Cllr Hoogbaard handed over the mattresses to the creche principals and educators. These educators in turn extended their appreciation to Garden Route District Municipality for their generous act towards Early Childhood Development facilities, especially the children, in the area.

Feature Image: GRDM Portfolio Chairperson for Property Management and Development, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (right) and Chief: Municipal Health for the Hessequa Region, Heamish Herwels, hand over the mattresses to the principal of the Kleine Diamantjies Creche, Petro Josephs (middle).

ENDS