Community

Will YOUR school win this year’s East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game Trophy?

Published

11 years ago

9 October 2014

Durbanite

Children in KwaZulu-Natal are helping bring smiles, cheer – and hope – to less fortunate children across the province, by taking part in one of KZN’s biggest charity drives: East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game.

Many schools have already chipped in to help collect new toys for thousands of little ones who are in government hospitals, crèches, orphanages and children’s homes. Chelsea Primary School, Northlands Girls High School, New Forest, Queensborough Pre-Primary School and Amanzimtoti Primary School, and John Wesley School in Eshowe are among the schools that have already asked for campaign collection boxes.

ECR’s Zaba together with Sharkie at the launch of this year’s East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game

If your school would like to make life a little better for some of our province’s most disadvantaged children, please request a Toy Story collection box by emailing toystory@ecr.co.za and we will make arrangements to have a box delivered to your school. We will also collect the new toys once the box is full.

Schools have until 8 December 2014 to collect new toys.

The top three schools that collect the most new toys will go into a lucky draw. The winning school will have the honour of proudly displaying the Toy Story Trophy for a year, while 25 pupils from the school, who gathered the most new toys, will each win an exclusive tour at East Coast Radio, GAME stationery packs and Wakaberry vouchers.

ECR’s Jane Linley-Thomas and Damon Beard helping spread joy and hope last year

Last year, ‘Maritzburg school, Deccan Road Primary, set a campaign record by winning the Toy Story Trophy for a third consecutive year! Pupils there donated 3,027 new toys to the 2013 campaign – that’s double what they donated in 2012! Principal, Mr Siva Gounden, told East Coast Radio, “I am very proud of my pupils learning to give back to society at a young age and I hope this stays with them for the rest of their lives.”

In 2013, East Coast Radio’s Toy with Game distributed 45 000 new toys to ill and disadvantaged children across KZN. More than R1.4 million was donated to the campaign, every cent of which went towards buying food parcels for child-headed households in the province, to make sure the children have enough to eat over the long December school holidays. You will find more info, including details on how to make cash donations, on www.ecr.co.za

The campaign brightens up the lives of children in state hospitals across KZN, by giving them each a new toy

Make hope a reality by donating today.

Give joy. Give a toy.

#ecrtoystory

Author: Durbanite

Related Topics:2014 durban ea East Coast Radio East Coast Radio Toy Story Kwa-Zulu Natal Toy Stort

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Business

Award-Winning Tutoring and Extra Lessons with Qualified Teachers

Published

1 week ago

12 January 2026

mrjoelmagic

Quality Tutoring and Extra Lessons That Build Confidence and Results

Every child learns in their own way. Some enjoy the classroom setting, while others benefit from extra time and focused support to strengthen their understanding. Many families also choose extra lessons simply to give their children more confidence and a stronger foundation. That is where Kip McGrath Westville makes a difference. Recognised at the Best of Durban Awards, the centre is trusted across KZN for helping learners grow in both skill and self-belief.

Qualified Teachers, Local Understanding

One of the things that makes Kip McGrath Westville stand out is its team of qualified teachers from schools in and around the community. These are professionals who understand both the curriculum and the challenges learners face, and who bring classroom experience into a focused tutoring environment.

Sessions are available across a wide range of subjects, including English, Maths, Maths Literacy, Afrikaans, Science, Accounting, Physics, Study Skills and, School Readiness, supporting learners from Grade R through to Grade 12.

This variety means support is available for early foundational learning, exam preparation and everything in between.

Building Strong Foundations

The journey begins with a free, no-obligation assessment. This looks at a child’s current year and the two years prior. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, so having a solid grasp of it helps learners better understand everything from Maths problems to Science concepts.

By identifying areas that need strengthening, tutors can design a programme that gives each learner the support they need to feel more confident and prepared.

What to Expect from a Kip Session

Each learner follows a personalised programme that matches their needs and goals. Extra lessons are structured to be focused, engaging and supportive:

~ A session concentrating on one subject at a time.
~ A maximum of four students per session.
~ A combination of computer activities and written work to keep learning interesting.
~ Guidance from qualified teachers who provide encouragement and structure.
~ Clear goals that help learners see their progress and celebrate achievements.

More Than Just Better Marks

Kip McGrath is not only about improving results. It is about helping children feel more confident in their learning, giving them the tools to manage challenges and the reassurance that they can succeed. Parents often see a positive shift in how their children approach school, noticing greater independence and a more relaxed attitude to their studies.

Working Together with Families

The best results happen when families and tutors work together. At Kip McGrath:

~ Learners receive weekly homework to practise what they have studied.
~ Parents are kept up to date with regular feedback on progress.
~ Kip McGrath facilitates an open line of communication between its tutors, parents, the school, and the child’s teachers for full transparency on extra lessons.

This teamwork ensures that each learner feels encouraged and supported throughout their academic journey.

Lasting Results

The programmes at Kip McGrath are progressive and measurable. Children start at their level and build step by step toward their goals. With consistency and encouragement, learners gain confidence, improve their understanding, and feel more at ease with their schoolwork.

Why Families Choose Kip

With 50 years of international experience, and branches all over South Africa, and other areas of the world including the UK and Australia, Kip McGrath has supported generations of learners. Families choose Kip McGrath Westville for its caring approach and proven results. Recognition at the Best of Durban Awards is a reflection of the impact they continue to make in the community.

Book a Free Assessment

Whether your child could use some extra support or simply wants to strengthen their foundation, Kip McGrath Westville is here to help. Start with a free, no-obligation assessment and see the difference a little extra guidance & a few extra lessons can make.

At Kip McGrath, it is not just about lessons. It is about building confidence, supporting growth, and giving every child the chance to feel secure in their learning.

Contact Kip McGrath Today!

Call: 031 267 2734

Email: accounts@kipwestville.co.za

Web: www.kipmcgrath.co.za/westville

Instagram: @kipwestville

Facebook: @KipWestville

Author: mrjoelmagic

Businesses

Barkies: Homemade Pet Treats

Published

1 month ago

9 December 2025

Shelley

Freshness You Can Trust, Impact You Can See! 🐾
Looking for treats that are genuinely good for your furry (or hoofed!) family members?

Welcome to Barkies—where every treat is baked with love, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to animal welfare.

We believe in complete transparency. Our treats are always homemmade with fresh, natural ingredients, and we are proud to tell you exactly what goes into every single bite.

✨ Year-End Combo Special: Spoil Your Pup! ✨
To celebrate the year, we’re making it easy to spoil your dog with the best of Barkies:

Item Details
12 Pupcakes Choose your dog’s favourite flavour!
500g Fresh Dog Treats Choose your flavour!
Combo Price R220

This is the perfect package for holiday gatherings, puppy parties, or just showing extra love!

🌍 Treats with a Heart
We’re not just about delicious treats; we’re about giving back. Barkies donates 20% of every single sale to incredible animal charities right here in Durban. When you buy from us, you’re directly helping local animals in need.

🥕 Simple, Delicious & Safe
Our treats are simple but delicious and contain no nasty preservatives. Please store all Barkies products in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.

We make treats for dogs, cats, and horses!