Tree of Light spreads few more years of good cheer
The Highway Hospice's Tree of Light ceremony is a wonderful way to remember loved ones who have passed on.
HIGHWAY Hospice’s day centre patients are urging you to support the Tree of Light, an annual fundraising event in which you can pay tribute to a loved who has died.
The Tree of Light helps fund transport and nourishment for the continuation of the day centre, which is also helped by volunteers.
According to day centre patient Joy Danrè, hospice, an non-profit organisation which cares for people with advanced, incurable diseases, including HIV, within the greater Durban area, is a worthy cause to support.
“Hospice really needs to raise funds for the wonderful work they do. I personally have come a long way over the past three years here. Donating to hospice is so important,” said Danrè.
Singile Nkwanyana, another patient, shared the same sentiments adding that she looked forward to the weekly day centre meetings to share stories with other patients, play board games, exercise and enjoy the comradeship and friendship.
The day centre patients meet every Thursday from 9am to 12.30pm for occupational therapy, medical care and a lovely breakfast and lunch. They also go on field trips to the cinema, Mini Town, Mitchel Park and other places of interest.
Fathima Essop, another patient said hospice is not only for end stage cancer patients. There are patients who are in remission and are homebound and maybe alone.
“Hospice’s day centre is a meeting place for a morning of care, fun and laughter. I enjoy the friendship, love, care and communication with others which beats being cooped up at home,” said Fathima.
Heather Walker, fundraiser at Highway Hospice said, “When the lights burn bright on the Tree of Light, its sends out a message to all those out there to bring joy to someone near and dear and adds a few more years of good cheer. So when hospice asks you to dig deep, remember who you are doing it for.”
The Tree of Light ceremony is at Jameson Park (opposite Mitchell Park) on Friday, 2 December. The fundraising event starts at 6pm with Christmas themed music, supplied by dedicated volunteer musicians. There’s food stalls but you can also take your own picnic basket along, as well as a blanket and an umbrella in case it rains – there will be a few tents erected as a standby.
The actual lighting of the tree takes place at 7.45pm (weather permitting) when more than 9000 globes light up with a soft radiance. The tree will shine throughout December in memory of those who have passed on.
If you would like to remember a loved one for this special event, please let Highway Hospice have your donation of R50 per globe. Visit www.mylight.co.za for a form and indicate who you are remembering so that your dedication can be placed in the Book of Remembrance that evening. Alternatively you can contact Heather on 031 208 6110 or e-mail: heather@hospice.co.za to buy a globe.
