PORTNET LAST month gave a disabled youngster the Christmas present of a lifetime when it donated R300 000 to the seven-year-old girl from a disadvantaged community for an operation which could allow her to walk again.
Chelsea Oortman of Witbank has suffered from a back ailment since birth which threatened to cripple her for life.
An operation to enable her to walk normally will cost R350 000. Members of her community in the Mpumalanga town started a fund which had reached R60 000 when her plight was brought to the attention of Portnet, who decided to step in and assist. Chief executive officer Siyabonga Gama travelled to Witbank on Christmas Eve and called on the parents.
How much have you collected? he asked the girl's mother. When he was told it was R60 000, he handed over the cheque for R300 000.
Now Chelsea will undergo her operation when arrangements have been made. News of its success will be greeted with the tooting of tugboats in all South African harbours.
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