Hospice spruced up on Mandela Day

Several companies descended on the Alexandra Hospice and Rehabilitation Centre for the Mandela Day celebrations which turned into work, entertainment and commitments to long-term partnerships.

Ward 91 councillor Andrew Stewart said people and businesses will always be pulled in to support worthy initiatives with credible histories and will always share a commitment to helping others, especially those in severe distress.

Stewart donated clothing and urged other struggling organisations to motivate for support that will target their real needs to ensure they provide their beneficiaries with quality and sustainable services.

The hospice, which operates from a former school building in need of constant maintenance, will move to a new site with new facilities still to be constructed. The companies’ support helped make the current facilities hospitable for the terminally-ill patients and improved the work conditions for the staff.

John Marais of NMC Construction Company said they supported the hospice last year with medical supplies and equipment and did the same this year as a continuation of a long-term relationship. “We can’t turn a blind eye on such a humanitarian cause where others in great need require support through better care,” Marais said after his team donated food supplies, cleaned and did other handy work at the facility.

Priya Naidoo of Holiday Inn, Sandton, along with her team of 25 colleagues, cleaned the facility, trimmed the trees, did plumbing, painting and electrical work, prepared meals and will be considering more regular and longer-term support such as donating sheets, soap and towels.

“It is part of the company’s spirit and passion to share, and it is a basis for humanity to create sustainable relationships through deeds that impact others positively. We can only be happy, remain grounded and communal when we tap into our various resources to build our communities and improve lives,” said Naidoo.

“We should, every time, stop, think and reflect on what we should do to improve lives, create smiles and fond memories and not take things for granted.”

Shimy Malete of Joburg Property Company said they provided the centre with the new site which will be fully serviced because of the importance of the centre’s work. “Helping a place for the elderly and terminally-ill is most appropriate, especially when we share the work with others to make a greater impact,” Malete said as his team ironed clothes and sheets and prepared meals.