The Children's Hospital Trust is an independent charity and the Fundraising Arm of Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, the stand alone, specialist hospital dedicated entirely to children in Southern Africa. Since its inception in 1994 we have been a dedicated children's charity focused on helping sick children in need and are governed by a dedicated and passionate Board of Trustees.

While the Provincial Government of the Western Cape (PGWC) manages the Hospital with an operational budget of R359million for the 2008/2009 Financial Year, supplementary funding is needed. In order to maintain its role as a leading centre for child health, research and training in Southern Africa, the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital needs ongoing funding support and it is for this reason that the work of the Trust is so vital. As a registered non-profit organisation in South Africa and the UK, the Children's Hospital Trust, relies solely on the generosity of donors to help realise our aims and objectives for this children's hospital in South Africa.

Having consulted with the management team at the Hospital and having taken into account the strategic direction and policies of the Provincial and National Department of Health - the Children's Hospital Trust, expend donor funding to support the Hospital where it needs it most. Key areas of support include the procurement of life saving equipment for the Hospital, facilitating the upgrade of vital buildings, managing various building projects at the Hospital, as well as the development of its professional staff.

Reliant on Charity Donations

When the Children's Hospital Trust was established in 1994, the Board of Trustees at the time made the decision that 100% of donor money would go directly to the Hospital. A working fund to cover the Trust's running costs was established by a donation given specifically for this purpose. Subsequently, a portion of interest earned on deposits has boosted the fund. While the Children's Hospital Trust's running costs are covered by interest accrued on a working capital fund, the Trust constantly reviews its cost to income ratio to ensure further accountability to donors.

Since the Trust's inception, 100% of donor money has gone to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. For over a decade the Trust has ensured that donor funds are spent to the best advantage of child health, and that full benefit is received for each and every cent donated.

Though the Hospital is the cornerstone of paediatric health care in Southern Africa, much has yet to be done and ongoing support is still needed to raise critical complementary funding to ensure the Hospital not only remains at the centre of paediatric excellence but continues to give hope to sick children and their families.

Learn more about the Children's Hospital Trust

• Governance

• Investment Policy

• Five Year Strategic Plan

• Trustees

• Staff

• Publications

• Make a charitable donation and help the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in South Africa play a vital role in improving the lives of children in need of high quality medical attention.