Corlia hopes to help others through Hospice

ALBERTON – Meyersdal resident Corlia Booysen’s answer was yes and her reasons? “I want to use whatever skills and abilities I have to help ensure that this wonderful organisation, the first of its kind right here on our doorstep, will at all times be able to keep their doors open. We need to ensure that their services are always available to the patients and families so desperately in need of it.”

Corlia first became involved with the Stepping Stone Hospice in February last year, when she arranged a golf day in aid of the newly established hospice. Despite leading an extremely busy life as wife to businessman Rean Booysen and mother to three highly successful daughters, Corlia continued to make time to stay connected with the hospice.

“I witnessed the passion and commitment with which the hospice was started and I would like to see it grow and reach even more people than it currently does,” she says.

Education is very close to her heart and Corlia was one of the founding members of the Leeuwenhof Akademie in Bedfordview, where she served on the board of directors for many years. From 1982 to 1988 she worked full time for the SABC in various positions, from the news desk for the then Springbok Radio to the radio marketing department. Expecting her second child led Corlia to take a break in her career but she soon started doing freelance production and writing work.

Corlia is an avid supporter of the arts and drama and received her Licence in Speech and Drama through the Milla Louw Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her other big passion is writing and she published the A-Z Guide for Domestic Helpers in 1994.

Though she loves traveling and exploring new places, Corlia admits that she is at her happiest in her home when surrounded with her family. Born and bred in Alberton, she has always treasured the town and its well-being. “I’m still good friends with a number of my school friends, we stay in touch and enjoy sharing memories of ‘those days’.”

The pain of recently losing her mom, Ella Smit, is still clearly visible. “I inherited my passion for music from my mom, she had a beautiful voice and was often invited to sing at functions.” Her father, owner of the then CA Smit Transport Company, passed away a few years ago.

When she has a bit of spare time, Corlia enjoys a game of golf and works on developing her writing skills. “I have hundreds of unfinished novels in my head maybe the time is now to start putting pen to paper,” she laughingly explains.

As far as being the patron for Stepping Stone Hospice is concerned, Corlia has already started formulating plans to get the word out and to organize some very exciting fundraising events. “I am one hundred percent determined to honour my commitment to hospice and through my involvement help them to help others.”

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