Following the ancient African philosophy of Ubuntu, global ambassador for Peace, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu gave his unbridled support and unconditional love to children especially. The Arch and Mrs Leah have been patrons to Tygerberg’s Children for more than 20 years. This gave the Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust in support of Tygerberg Hospital the opportunity to experience and bask in the real meaning of the word Ubuntu.
To keep his legacy alive, the Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust in collaboration with leading retailer Woolworths SA has created the Archbishop Tutu Tribute Space in Ward G9 at Tygerberg Hospital. This special space will be unveiled on the 7 December 2022.
As part of this exciting collaboration, Woolworths together with two of South Africa’s leading young visual artists, Yay Abe (Russell Abrahams) and Lady Skollie (Laura Windvogel) have also created a Tutu Tygers kids range of clothing where a percentage of the profits is donated to the Tygerburg Hospital Children’s Trust. The range launched in early October in celebration Archbishop Tutu’s first heavenly birthday is made locally and is available online and in selected Woolworths stores across South Africa.
“We are honoured to be part of this incredible initiative that seeks to deliver a social impact through a Woolies range of kids clothing. We remain committed to the objectives of the Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust that looks to uplift the plight of children in need – be they in challenging environments or recovering in hospital,” comments Manie Maritz Woolworths Fashion Beauty and Home CEO
The Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust youth leadership initiative, the Tutu Tygers, founded by Trust CEO, Jason Falken was formed with the purpose of continuing the legacy, selflessly crafted, by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Mrs Leah Tutu.
“As South Africans we can be very proud of the Tutu Tygers initiative. It’s an expression of all our creative vibrance, love for humanity and hunger for equality. Our collaborations with brands such as Patta of Amsterdam and now Woolworths here in South Africa shines a bright light on a future where purpose and profit coexist and value is measured in happiness,” says Jason Falken-CEO of the Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust.
“The late Emeritus Archbishop Tutu and Mrs Leah had a long and rich relationship with the children of Tygerberg Hospital. As a hospital, we continue to be inspired by the Arch’s compassion, his love and his deep care for humanity, and especially his passion for the children treated here at Tygerberg. We are excited by the creation and unveiling of this special Archbishop Tutu Tribute Space, which will help to ensure that the Arch’s legacy at Tygerberg is both honored and strengthened,” said Dr Paul Ciapparelli, Acting CEO of Tygerberg Hospital.
