At the Beekman Group, we believe meaningful experiences extend beyond holidays. They are also found in how we support the communities we are part of, especially here on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, where many of our people live and work.
We had the privilege of visiting Shelly Beach Hospital on their ‘Paediatrics Appreciation Day,’ bringing comfort, smiles and moments of joy to children in the paediatric ward. Our team spent time with young patients, sharing colourful balloons and cuddly Max Relax plushies, while our much-loved mascot, Max Relax, also made a special appearance. The most heartfelt moments were the simplest ones: a smile, a laugh or a child holding tightly to a new soft toy during their hospital stay.
For children in hospital, even the smallest moments of joy can mean so much. This visit was about lifting spirits, sharing smiles and bringing comfort to young patients who may not have been feeling well, while simply being present in moments that matter.
Rooted in the South Coast, Committed to Our Community
As a South Coast-based family business, community is part of our everyday reality. Our head office teams live and work here, which makes supporting local families and organisations a responsibility we take to heart.
Caring for people has always been important to us, both within our business and in the communities around us. While we’re known for creating family holiday memories across Southern Africa, we also believe in showing up for people in meaningful ways where we can make a difference.
We are sincerely grateful to Shelly Beach Hospital for welcoming us and allowing us to be part of this initiative. The care, dedication, and compassion shown by hospital staff left a lasting impression on our team and reinforced the importance of strong community partnerships.
A Collaborative Effort That Made the Day Possible
The day was made possible through the combined efforts of the Beekman Group and Shelly Beach Hospital teams, all united in bringing a little joy to the children in the paediatric ward. “Being in the hospital can be a scary experience for anyone, especially for a child. We’re so thankful for partners like the Beekman Group who stepped up to help celebrate Paediatrics Appreciation Day with us. The mini-Max plushies and the mascot visit brought smiles and helped take the ‘scary’ out of the hospital stay. This collaboration is really about the community coming together to look after our youngest at their most vulnerable.”
– Ebrahim Vadia, Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
It was a simple idea, but one that required coordination, care and shared intention, all focused on creating something special for the children.
Seeing the children’s reactions firsthand reinforced why initiatives like this matter. Moments of comfort, joy and connection remind us of the importance of continuing to support the communities around us.
At the Beekman Group, this is part of how we define creating extraordinary experiences, not only through amazing holidays, but through how we show up for each other in the everyday moments, too.